Events

After finding painted rocks around Jefferson City, especially on the trails at Runge, Janet Bonnot decided to join the JC Rocks fun in 2018. Runge is pleased to present a variety of Janet's nature-inspired creations.

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Central Missouri artist Terry Martin.

The animals are hungry! Watch as the Runge naturalist feeds the snakes, aquarium fish, and snapping turtles. No registration required. All ages invited.

This is no joke! Join Runge naturalists as we learn about the interesting life history and sky dance of Wilson’s snipe and the closely related American woodcock. After an indoor portion of the program, we will venture out to a local conservation area in search of these birds. Make sure to dress for the weather, including waterproof shoes or boots. Registration required. Ages 7+

Tweet tweet, spring is a busy time for birds! Fly on in and learn about birds you might see in your backyard and what makes these animals so special! We will be going outside if weather allows. Registration required. Must have a child in the 0-2 age range AND the 3-6 age range.

Tweet tweet, spring is a busy time for birds! Fly on in and learn about birds you might see in your backyard and what makes these animals so special. We will be going outside if weather allows. Registration required. Ages 3-6.

Please join Stream Team #6486 from Columbia, Missouri for a litter pickup on April 2nd at 3:00 pm on Little Dixie Lake. The team will meet in the south parking lot off of WW/RA road. Litter bags and work gloves will be provided.

Please bring bug spray, and shoes/ boots and clothes that can get muddy. Please no open toed shoes.

A parent or adult mentor must accompany anyone under the age of 16. Online preregistration is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Annie Kittrell at annie.kittrell@mdc.mo.gov

This event is the stream-side certification to become a Level 1 water quality monitor with Missouri Stream Team.

**You must complete step one, the required virtual learning on the Missouri Stream Team YouTube page, prior to attending this event**

The virtual training videos can be found through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBQMlfy_cD4DQe07cir0nipWVrbQ2npVy

For more information on the VWQM program, please visit www.mostreamteam.org/water-quality-monitoring.html

For any questions, please email StreamTeam@mdc.mo.gov

"I don't like to paint," said no kid ever! This program is all about painting, but with a twist. En Plein Air Painting means painting in the fresh air without following traditional rules. Participants will learn and practice a few Plein Air techniques before venturing outdoors to create their art. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Ages 3-9

Discover how to turn a harvested turkey's wings into a useful wingbone turkey call in this hands-on workshop. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Ages 14 and up.

This program is all about painting, but with a twist. En Plein Air Painting means painting outdoors without following traditional rules. After learning a few Plein Air techniques, we'll head outside where we can relax, enjoy the fresh air, and create art. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Ages 10+

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those who need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Mushrooms, including the elusive morel, are popping up with the warmer temps and spring rain! Join Malissa Briggler, Missouri Department of Conservation's State Botanist and president of the Mid-Missouri chapter of the Mycological Society, as she provides information on how to identify spring fungi and where you might find them. No registration required. Ages 10+

Spring mushrooms are popping up! Stop by to find out where they live, what makes them grow, and how to identify common mushroom types. Enjoy displays, activities, and guided walks. The short, guided trail walks will leave from the nature center at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. No registration required. All ages

Some of Missouri’s most fascinating herptiles are active now that spring is here. Midland brown snake and three-toe box turtle disagree about how some people treat amphibians and reptiles. Hear what they talk about with american toad, bullfrog, and their friends. See if you can figure out why their opinions are different. No registration required. All ages

Some of Missouri’s most fascinating herptiles are active now that spring is here. Midland brown snake and three-toe box turtle disagree about how some people treat amphibians and reptiles. Hear what they talk about with american toad, bullfrog, and their friends. See if you can figure out why their opinions are different. No registration required. All ages

Tweet tweet, spring is a busy time for birds! Fly on in and learn about birds you might see in your backyard and what makes these animals so special! We will be going outside if weather allows. Registration required. Ages 3-6.

This program will teach the fundamentals of shotgun shooting. This class includes equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques. Shotguns and ammunition will be made available.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those who need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

NOTE: new start time! Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike at Don Robinson State Park (Jefferson County); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at the Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.*Attend 10 Runge hiking programs in 2023 and receive a prize AND to a chance to win a larger prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. Registration required. Ages 18+

Tweet tweet, spring is a busy time for birds! Fly on in and learn about birds you might see in your backyard and what makes these animals so special! We will be going outside if weather allows. Registration required. Ages 0-3.

Get the best of both worlds by joining a naturalist for a dusk hike! On our hike, we will search for spring ephemerals and other signs of spring. As the sun goes down and dusk turns to night, we’ll find out what happens on the trails when it’s dark outside. Dress for the weather with comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration required. All ages

Runge Nature Center is a great place to learn about and discover nature. Let’s create a collaborative Runge Alphabet Collage that celebrates the programs, people, and nature of Runge. The completed collage will be on display at the nature center throughout the months of July and August. Registration required. Ages 7-12.

Come to Veterans Park in Fulton for the Arbor Day celebration! Runge Nature Center will have a booth in the park as will other community partners. Be sure to stop by the Runge display and take part in activities to learn basic tree identification tips, information about a few of Missouri’s most common trees, plus some things to know about the vital role these important organisms play in our world.

Garlic mustard is an aggressive, invasive plant that can take over the forest floor, preventing many native plants from flourishing. Join us at Runge to help remove this destructive species and earn your very own native wildflower to plant in your yard. Please wear long pants and shoes that can get dirty. Gloves will be provided. Registration required. All ages