Events

Corvids: crows and ravens

are very intelligent and curious birds.

Encountered in many mythologies:

significant to shamans, they speak from the other world;

as tricksters, they carried light to the indigenous peoples;

often, they play a role in creation stories;

they guard souls on journeys to other worlds.

Their perspective of height

and the capacity of breadth

allow them to quickly message patterns of change.

As a multidisciplinary artist, I am committed

to a curious mind, learning from nature

and the elements of water, earth, air, wind, and fire.

My work encompasses sculpture, paintings, and photography,

oftentimes using a combination of media:

beeswax, resin, and oil; stones an wood;

lead sheeting, wire, and precious metals; textiles;

collected papers, found objects, cast bronze and glass.

The historical reverence for the power

and sacredness of earth

spans our cultural memory.

We live in a chaotic world.

It is difficult to feel a part of the whole

with the loss of balance and control:

personally, politically, and spiritually.

When we become still and silent,

we may then listen

to the past, the present and the future.

Hopefully, we will continue to find ways

to understand and bond,

not only to our environment,

but most importantly,

to each other.

Catherine Eaton Skinner

2022

www.ceskinner.com

RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, 3/31!

Let’s go for a night hike to look at the amphibious first signs of spring throughout August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area’s aquatic habitats. We’ll meet at the Classroom for a short amphibian ID presentation, then caravan to the Lake 33 wetlands as the sun goes down in search of reptiles and amphibians emerging from winter hibernation. Be prepared to get dirty as we explore the site’s pond and surrounding areas. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight/headlamp.

Difficulty = Moderate: natural, gravel, and paved surface hiking at night. The number of amphibians expected to be seen will depend on the weather. Best results will be when temperatures stay above 50 degrees F at night. Because of this, there is a small possibility this program will be rescheduled to March 31st (same time) to take advantage of optimal temperatures.

Warm Spring days bring rapid changes to the landscape. Walk the trail past the upland prairie and head down to the Missouri River. Along the trail through the woods look for more ephemerals that have made their appearance since last week. We are not allowed to pick them, so bring your camera to get pictures to keep long after these beauties have bloomed. You may finish the hike by climbing up the historic grand staircase or continue the trail to the top. Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy. Dress for the weather and wear boots or shoes that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and walking stick if you have one. Meet at the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

Get all wrapped up in this fun program at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center! We will learn hands-on how to tie several different camping knots and put our new skills to the test. From the clove hitch to the bowline, we'll practice some essential knots to know before you venture out to enjoy Missouri’s outdoors!

This class will provide 1-on-1 instruction for those shooters that have some experience shooting clay targets but haven’t shot 5-Stand before. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot 1 round of 5-Stand with the instructor working through strategies and techniques for the different bird presentations on the menu.

• Participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition with them

o Recommended to bring Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes

o Shot size must be 7.5, 8, or 9

• Participants can come for instruction during business hours of the specific day they signed up for on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) or Thursday (10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

• Shooters will need to check in for their 1-on-1 round at the main range office by the rifle/pistol range.

This class will provide 1-on-1 instruction for those shooters that have some experience shooting clay targets but haven’t shot 5-Stand before. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot 1 round of 5-Stand with the instructor working through strategies and techniques for the different bird presentations on the menu.

• Participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition with them

o Recommended to bring Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes

o Shot size must be 7.5, 8, or 9

• Participants can come for instruction during business hours of the specific day they signed up for on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) or Thursday (10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

• Shooters will need to check in for their 1-on-1 round at the main range office by the rifle/pistol range.

Join our instructors as we learn the fundamentals of shooting the compound bow and arrow. This program begins in the Education Center then moves to the static archery range. This is a fun program for the entire family.

Join us at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area for a fun-filled afternoon of amphibian activities! We will meet at the Lake 33 Wetlands area, where we’ll sign-in and separate into 3 large groups to move through 3 different activity stations in 30-minute rotations. During this program, participants will learn all about frogs and toads of Missouri, engage in fun froggy activities, and even take up a net to search for and ID frogs themselves! We will end the program with an optional Trash Bash at Lake 33 from 3:00pm to 3:30pm, to compete for an opportunity to bring home the 2023 Trash Trophy.

Please register each individual attending separately.

This virtual class will cover the ins and outs of keeping your fishing gear in tip top shape. The program will cover materials and demonstrate how to properly maintain your fishing rods and reels.

Join us for a day all about turtles! Visit with our resident turtles to see how they carry their shells on their backs. Have you seen them out and about lately? We will learn what they eat and then go look for them in the forest.

From 10:00 - 10:25, we will have a special guest joining us from Kirkwood Public Library for storytime!

This class is designed for children ages 0-2. Please dress for the weather.

Join us for a day all about turtles! Visit with our resident turtles to see how they carry their shells on their backs. Have you seen them out and about lately? We will learn what they eat and then go look for them in the forest.

From 9:30 - 9:55, we will have a special guest joining us from Kirkwood Public Library for storytime!

This class is designed for children ages 3-5. Please dress for the weather.

This program will introduce turkey hunting techniques and calling tips for beginners and how to get started hunting these elusive birds. We will cover habitat, safety, firearms, different calls, when to call, how often to call, and different types of equipment used to help you have a successful hunt.

Have you ever wondered about the owls that live in your neighborhood? Join us to discover the fascinating adaptations of owls and their unique role in the ecosystem. Explore exactly what they eat by dissecting an owl pellet and analyzing the evidence inside.

Please register each participant individually.

Meet in the classroom at the Education Center.

This class will provide 1-on-1 instruction for those shooters that have some experience shooting clay targets but haven’t shot 5-Stand before. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot 1 round of 5-Stand with the instructor working through strategies and techniques for the different bird presentations on the menu.

• Participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition with them

o Recommended to bring Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes

o Shot size must be 7.5, 8, or 9

• Participants can come for instruction during business hours of the specific day they signed up for on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) or Thursday (10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

• Shooters will need to check in for their 1-on-1 round at the main range office by the rifle/pistol range.

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 85 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees Trail. Participants should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike with a 200-foot elevation gain.

This class will provide 1-on-1 instruction for those shooters that have some experience shooting clay targets but haven’t shot 5-Stand before. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot 1 round of 5-Stand with the instructor working through strategies and techniques for the different bird presentations on the menu.

• Participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition with them

o Recommended to bring Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes

o Shot size must be 7.5, 8, or 9

• Participants can come for instruction during business hours of the specific day they signed up for on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) or Thursday (10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

• Shooters will need to check in for their 1-on-1 round at the main range office by the rifle/pistol range.

*Please register each participant

(All ages)

Join us as MDC Herpetologist Jeff Briggler teaches about native amphibians and takes us on an exploratory hike. Learn how to identify different species and calls before venturing out to the ponds of Forest 44 in search of chorusing frogs. Meet at Jay Henges Shooting Range Education Center, located at Highway 44 and Beaumont/Antire Road. Please dress for the weather and wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy.

***Be sure to bring a flashlight or head lamp and DEET base insect repellent for this event.***

This program is designed as a basic course to provide youths ages 9-15 an opportunity to become familiar with shooting. We will provide .22 caliber handguns and rifles and ammunition for them to shoot. There will be a short class covering safety, parts of a firearm, and fundamentals of marksmanship. Due to time constraints we will not have any time to provide individuals an opportunity to shoot their own firearms.

Witness a “marsh concert” presented by the toads and frogs of Missouri.

Join us for an evening out on the levees at the Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area. We will learn how to identify toads and frogs by their calls.

Please bring a small flashlight, water, snacks, and dress for the weather.

Participants will meet at Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area on Island Road.

Come on over to Rockwoods Reservation for afternoon of Spelunking! We will begin this program in the classroom at the Rockwoods Education Center, where we will learn more about caves in Missouri, what kind of critters we might find in them, and why our cave ecosystems are so special! After about 45 minutes in the classroom, we will gear up in our helmets and knee pads and head to Bathtub Cave to do some exploring.

**Note: You will have to crawl into the entrance and crawl in the cave. The very beginning of this cave is roughly 1 foot tall.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and for 55-degree temperatures. Please wear pants and a long sleeve shirt that you do not mind getting dirty. An extra change of clothes, water, and a snack is recommended.

Helmets and one flashlight will be provided. Please wear rubber boots as well and bring 2 additional sources of light (such as headlamps or flashlights).

If large clusters of bats are encountered, the field trip portion will be cut short. Program will be canceled in inclement weather and rescheduled at a different date.

Please register each person attending individually.

***Only the age range (7 and up) will be allowed in the cave.***

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.

This virtual program will provide a time for hunters or hikers to discuss basic survival items that will help you if you were to become lost overnight in the woods.

Celebrate the season by joining a Naturalist guided hike on the Rock Quarry Trail Short Loop. Learn about the identification and ecological importance of native wildflowers, plants and trees we will observe along the way. Participants should be able to hike 1 mile on a trail that requires moderate – difficult effort.

Wear good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring water and any other hiking needs.

Participants will meet at the Pavillion by the Education Center. Please register each participant individually.

This class will provide 1-on-1 instruction for those shooters that have some experience shooting clay targets but haven’t shot 5-Stand before. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot 1 round of 5-Stand with the instructor working through strategies and techniques for the different bird presentations on the menu.

• Participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition with them

o Recommended to bring Improved Cylinder or Modified Chokes

o Shot size must be 7.5, 8, or 9

• Participants can come for instruction during business hours of the specific day they signed up for on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) or Thursday (10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

• Shooters will need to check in for their 1-on-1 round at the main range office by the rifle/pistol range.

Are you someone that has never shot a bow and arrow before and you’re not sure how to get started? Or maybe you did when you were young, but never pursued the activity any further. Learn the basics of shooting the bow and arrow utilizing some of the techniques and methods that have been adopted by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This course is for those 11 years of age or older with the desire to shoot a bow and arrow but have little or no experience. Learn archery shooting fundamentals while gaining knowledge about equipment options and choices. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

* Classes will be CANCELLED if we encounter inclement weather — precipitation or heat (temps more than 90 degrees).