Events

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 virtual 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.

Learn the steps necessary to process deer meat yourself. We will demonstrate how to gut, skin and butcher a deer in simple easy steps with minimum equipment. You will learn tips on how to make sure your venison is the best quality possible.

Beginning Trap Shooting

(Ages 11 & up)

Reservations begin April 30.

This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We will cover safety, appropriate guns and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field, and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and a cooking demonstration. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than fifteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions, please contact the host.

We look forward to having you join us!

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 85 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.

Get ready for your Fall hunting and camping trips with this Dutch Oven cooking class. We will go over Dutch oven parts, controlling temperature, care and cleaning, and more. This is a hands-on class, where we will cook an entrée and a dessert item. All equipment and food are included. If you have dietary restrictions, please notify us at the time of registration so proper accommodations can be made. Ages 10 and up. Children ages 10-15 must have a parent or guardian present.

—Attention scouts of all stripes . . . the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to the St. Louis Regional Fall Scout and Family Day event on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, and American Heritage Girls are all welcome. This scouting event is free and will offer scouts and their families a chance to test their outdoor skills and work toward a number of conservation-related merit badges. In addition, participants will also get the opportunity to explore and learn about the diversity of career opportunities that MDC has to offer. It could be the first step in planning a career serving nature.

The event is also open to any families interested in discovering and learning more about nature and the outdoors. Affiliation with a scouting program is not required to attend.

MDC staff will guide participants along, activity stations throughout the nature center’s grounds. Each station will help Scouts and their families appreciate nature, work toward merit badges, and acquire valuable skills they can use in the future.

Activities will include:

· Fire building

· Outdoor cooking

· Virtual scavenger hunt

· Compass and orienteering

· Missouri plant and animal ID

· Shelter building

· Crafts

· Plus, more

Scout leaders should note that MDC will offer activities that may be applied towards merit badges, but it is not authorized to sign off on badges. Participants working toward badges should plan on bringing their own counselors to certify them.

All activities will be outside, so attendees should dress according to the weather. Participants may want to bring a refillable water bottle and wear sturdy shoes.

Crochet is a great hobby to connect with nature whether crocheting outside in nature, or crocheting a nature project! At this Nature Crocheters session, we will be crocheting fall leaves! Before we begin our leaves, we learn a about Missouri’s native trees, and why their leaves change colors in the fall.

You must know how to crochet and be familiar with chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet to participate in this program. Please email the instructor if you’d like instructional videos to learn these stitches.

All supplies will be provided including 3.5mm crochet hooks. You’re welcome to bring your own hook if you prefer.

Please register each participant individually.

Are you a waterfowl hunter and thinking about getting your first hunting dog? This program will cover the responsibilty of having a hunting dog, how to pick out the dog, what goes into training, as well as a live demonstration.

Calling all nature detectives! The mammal skulls at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area lost their labels and got all mixed up. We need your investigation skills to help identify the skulls. Learn about dental formulas and how to measure with a caliper to solve the mystery.