Events

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather.

Does the sport of fly-fishing interest you but you just don’t know where to start? Join us at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Lake 2 to learn the basics of fly fishing. In this class we will cover Fly fishing safety; rod selection; line, backer, leader, and tippet; basic knots; and the basics of fly casting. You will need a valid Missouri fishing permit for this class (participants 15 years of age or younger are exempt). To purchase permits, see, mdc.mo.gov/permits. You will also need to bring a hat and eye protection. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to use it otherwise, we have rods for you to use. Ages 14 and up.

Want to know more about what you see and hear when you hike? Want to explore the Rock Quarry Trail with a group? Slow down and get more from your hikes than cardio exercise. Use easy free apps Seek and Merlin to help you to identify plants, insects, and birds when you hike.

Meet at the pavilion for an introduction.

Trail is 2 miles long, includes an elevation gain of 246 ft. In case of rain there may be a shallow stream water crossing.

Bring your phone with the apps already downloaded. For Merlin, download the bird pack for our area.

Dress for the weather and protection from poison ivy. Insect repellant is recommended. Bring water and a magnifying glass or binoculars if you have them.

Please register each participant individually.

Forest 44 Conservation Area is 998-acres of rugged forest land situated on the northeastern-most extension of the Ozark Uplift. Join MDC Naturalist Andy Klingensmith as we explore the sights and sounds of this unique conservation area. Here we’ll find plants and animals typical of Ozark ecology. Several springs feed Williams Creek, which flows along the eastern portion of the area. Flowering dogwood and redbud trees add to the area’s natural beauty, especially in the springtime.

We'll hike the Dogwood Ridge trail~ 2 miles

Trails are mostly compacted dirt and rock with some elevation change.

We'll meet in the parking lot.

Good gear to have: Sturdy trail shoes, layered clothing, water bottle, backpack, camera, notebook, hiking poles.

Join us for a 3 mile hike thru the forests of the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area.

This area is known for its unique natural beauty and undisturbed habitat.

This hike is rated as moderate to difficult due to elevation change.

Dress for the weather. Bring water, snacks and binoculars for bird viewing.

Meet at the LaBarque Creek CA parking lot.

Join Volunteer Pickett Lema to learn the art of watercolors. Come learn beginner skills, as we use wet-on-dry techniques to paint your choice of Missouri birds.

All supplies provided.

Join a naturalist in the lobby of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for a chance to learn about and see live reptiles and amphibians.

The Missouri Department of Conservation, in partnership with the St. Louis Orienteering Club, is excited to offer this orienteering activity in conjunction with the Tower Grove Park - Pride Fest.

Pre-registration for this activity in MDC Events is recommended (not required).

Orienteering is the international outdoor sport of finding “control” flags using a map and perhaps a compass. It is like an outdoor treasure hunt!

Absolutely every person is welcome to participate, on a walk-up basis, between 11:00-3:00. (Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

No prior experience is needed. All materials, tools, and guidance will be provided.

Location of the activity will be on the east side of Fountain Lake, east of Center Cross Drive.

Join a naturalist in the lobby of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for a chance to learn about and see live reptiles and amphibians.

Join a naturalist in the lobby of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for a chance to learn about and see live reptiles and amphibians.