Events

The autumnal equinox on September 22 marks the first day of fall. The low angle of the sun makes for bright blue skies and more vibrant red and orange foliage. Catch the setting September sun as it sinks below the horizon over the Columbia Bottom fields and prairies. Then stroll down the trail to watch the full Harvest Moon as it rises and casts its silvery beam across the Missouri/Mississippi Rivers Confluence.

Dress for the weather, bring a bottle of water, a walking stick if you have one, and insect repellent.

Meet at lot "L", about 4 miles from the front entrance.

Sunset: 6:45 pm

Moonrise: 7:34 pm

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 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!

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 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!

"Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a natural oasis nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest near urban St. Louis. Join MDC Naturalist, Andy Klingensmith, for a guided hike as we explore and discover the natural wonders found throughout this unique conservation area. This program will touch on a range of ecology topics to deepen our appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Topics include plant and animal ID, natural history, ecological management, and conservation philosophy. Whether you’re a regular to Powder Valley, or someone looking for new hiking trails, join us as we discover the sights and sounds of Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center."

Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of Missouri venomous snakes! Join Powder Valley naturalists for the feeding of our captive snakes while learning more about the interesting lives of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Open to all ages. No registration required.

Come join us October 5th to learn fishing basics.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.

All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Do you have new scope on your rifle and want to get it sighted in to prepare for the upcoming rifle season? This program will give you and opportunity to work with staff to get your deer rifle sighted in and ready for the upcoming season. Scope must be mounted before attendting the program.

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plant and animals found in the State of Missouri. We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. No reservations are needed, so drop by any time during the time noted.

Join us at August A. Busch as we peruse our persimmon patch and look for the perfect persimmons to pick and try! If you’ve ever tried an unripe persimmon, you know how important is to pick them when they’re just right. In this program, we will learn how to identify Persimmon trees and how to tell when the fruit is ripe. We will also be doing some basic outdoor cooking in our Dutch Ovens, making some tasty Apple-Persimmon Dump Cake! While we wait for our dish to cook, we will talk about some basic rules of foraging and learn more about what kind of wild edibles are currently in season in Missouri.

Please register all persons attending individually. Please let the organizer know if you have any food allergies or if you need any accommodations.

Join us at Emmeneger Park at the trail head. We will explore along the trails looking for crawling bugs and lizards. What will we find hiding under the rocks? Then off to the creek to investigate the critters that call the water their home. Dress for the weather.