Events

Meet the most iconic of American conservationists from the last two centuries in this self-guided exhibit featuring life-size cutouts of conservation-minded pioneers such as Rachel Carson and John Muir. This exhibit is provided by the not-for-profit organization, "Legends of Conservation". All ages are welcome; no registration required.

Lesson 3&4

Lessons 1 & 2 MUST be taken before any of the other Discover Nature Fishing Lessons.

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing suitable for outdoor and water activities. We will be following local mask and social distancing guidelines. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen. This class is for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All persons in your group MUST be individually registered.

Class at Lake 15

Hike a narrow path among the trees behind Lake 33 keeping an eye out for deer, raccoons and owls. Later, we'll explore a few spots around the Lake under the full moon. Amateur photography is welcome. Bring your bug spray, light source, and meet at the East privy lot at Lake 33.

Come spend a delightful fall afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We will discuss why tree leaves change color. Hopefully we will be able to see and identify many beautiful trees as they show their fall colors. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 83 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazingly beautiful place. Participants should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike with a 200-foot elevation gain. This program is geared towards homeschoolers, but all can attend. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Join us on a hike at Powder Valley to see some of the many spiders that are common in Missouri and learn about why spiders are important and unique creatures. This program will be outside, and we will be hiking in intermediate terrain for just under an hour: please wear appropriate clothing and bring water and sunscreen.

Registration is required and current COVID-19 guidance will be followed.

Have you been wanting to be more present in nature? Join us at Rockwoods Reservation as we take a short walk around the Education Center and gather fallen items (leaves, small pinecones, etc.) to make a decorative nature mobile. Together we will learn to how to practice mindfulness in nature. Meet at the pavilion by the Education Center, located 1.5 miles from the entrance gate off of Highway 109/Woods Ave. Dress for the weather, and in case of rain, we will be indoors in the Education Center classroom. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Join us with your 0-3 year old on an exploration hike, looking for various seeds to help us create seed bracelets. We will also look at some seeds found in our foods. Meet at the staging area. Dress for the weather, rain or shine.

Join us with your 0-3 year old on an exploration hike, looking for various seeds to help us create seed bracelets. We will also look at some seeds found in our foods. Meet at the staging area. Dress for the weather, rain or shine.

Come to Jay Henges Shooting Range to learn about an ancient tool: the atlatl. In this program we will learn about the different types of atlatls and darts, and how to safely shoot them. This program will be outside: please wear appropriate clothing and bring water and sunscreen.

Registration is required and current COVID-19 guidance will be followed. Ages 9 and up.

First Time Deer Hunters, Firearm

October 23 & 24

Hunt # 98

1 deer of either sex

Hunter must attend pre-hunt orientation, those who do not attend, are disqualified.

Only first-time deer hunters, 18 years of age or older, who have never harvested a deer are eligible.

Hunters who require an assistant must provide one.

Mandatory Pre-Hunt Orientation – Tuesday, September 21, 6pm – 8pm, Jay Henges Shooting Range, Education Center

Contact Kurt Otterstein at kurt.otterstein@mdc.mo.gov for questions

This program and hunt is for youth, new to duck hunting, that is interested in learning the skills needed to successfully hunt ducks. We will begin with a mandatory class on Wednesday, October 13 from 6-7 p.m. to discuss safety, firearms, clothing, hunting techniques, and details of the hunt. All participants for the hunt must attend the mandatory clinic and be Hunter Education Certified to participate in the hunt on October 23.

Join us for a 5.3 mile Fall hike at the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. This a great time of the year to see the changing colors in the forest. Dress for the weather. Bring water, lunch, and a camera. Participants will meet at Weldon Spring Conservation Area – Lewis and Clark Trail Parking lot. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.?

For adults and children with disabilities and family/ support

Bring your camera and/or a friend or two and join us for an enjoyable autumn walk in Forest Park, taking pictures of nature. Stroll or roll on the accessible trail while we look for great places to photograph, talk, share ideas, and have fun. Any kind of camera will do. If you’re not interested in taking pictures, just join us for a pleasant day. Please meet at the Forest Park Hatchery Lakes. Directions will be sent prior to the program.

(Ages 3-6)

Explore animals that jump, run, and crawl through story time and songs. Investigate the animals we see, both from sunrise to sunset and from sunset to sunrise in Tower Grove Park! Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Watch the sun go down from the highest point at Columbia Bottom. Then walk by flashlight or lantern light to the confluence on a closed road and trails to watch the nearly full Hunters Moon cast a silvery glow across the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Listen for the calls of 3 species of owls as they prowl the night and watch creatures of the night as they scurry away from our dancing light beams. We will walk quietly, listening for the sounds of nature all around us. Who knows what we will find on the moonlit trail ahead?

Dress for the weather; wear boots or shoes that can get muddy. Bring a flashlight or lantern, walking stick, if you have one, insect repellant and a water bottle. Meet at lot “K”, about 4 ½ miles from the front entrance.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing of face coverings is encourage when appropriate.

This program and hunt is for youth, new to duck hunting, that are interested in learning the skills needed to successfully hunt ducks. We will begin with a mandatory class on Wednesday, October 13 from 6-7 p.m. to discuss safety, firearms, clothing, hunting techniques, and details of the hunt. All participants for the hunt must attend the mandatory clinic and be Hunter Education Certified to participate in the hunt on October 24.

Women’s Beginning Handgun

(Ages 16 and up)

The Women's Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance and safe storage. We start in the Education Center with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center

We will be viewing a video about biologist and author, Rachel Carson, in preparation for reading some of her books.

All Ages (Must be able to hike at least 2 miles on moderately rough terrain; not suitable for child strollers)

Join Rockwoods Naturalist on a mycological foray in the woods! We will identify common edible and inedible mushrooms present in the fall. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for hiking.

Come celebrate 30 years of conservation in the St. Louis Region at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center on the evening of October 29th! There will be a hayride, a bonfire with s’mores and storytelling, fall themed crafts, games, and other fun activities to celebrate Powder Valley’s anniversary. Hotdogs, popcorns, s’mores, and drinks will be provided.

Registration is required but individual activities will be first come first serve. The building will be open, but capacity will be limited based on current COVID-19 guidance.

This program will teach the fundamentals of archery including equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques. This event will take place on the static archery range at the August A. Busch shooting range.. All equipment will be provided.

This class will teach the basics of reloading ammunition for handgun. This class is designed to help anyone who has not reloaded before get started. We will cover safety, needed equipment, and the procedures to follow to reload your own handgun ammunition.

Come learn the basics of Dutch Oven cooking! You will learn about the history of Dutch Oven cooking, and how easy it is to make anything you would cook in your home oven in a Dutch Oven. All participants will have the opportunity to help prepare one of the dishes we will be making and try all the dishes at the end. Part of this program will be outside, so dress according to the weather.

We are strongly encouraging masks when indoors, and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

This program is for individuals who are 18 years and older. Anyone who will be present must register.

The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route. Learn how to do all three by joining us at Warrenton Pool Park Pavilion for this free orienteering program. Included will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, clothing attire for gravel trails, and water.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

I look forward to seeing you there!

LIVING WITH WILDLIFE: 101

Friday 5:30pm – 6:30pm

(Adults) Do you enjoy wildlife in your backyard, but struggle with some animals getting a little too close for comfort? Learn some tips and suggestions on how to avoid or stop nuisance wildlife from taking over your home, and about some of the common entry points that they use. This in person program will also cover methods, materials, and gear used in home exclusion. Mount replicas will be on hand to show some of the different types of wildlife that most commonly cause issues.