Events

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Missouri artist Cheryl Coen.

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to another dimension! Become an Agent and play along with our very own Field Agent Oscar using your senses to discover and engage with nature. Great fun for the whole family!

The mission at Runge Nature Center is designed for you to have sensory experiences as you walk our beautiful Raccoon Run trail. To get started, download the free Agents of Discovery app. Play and earn prizes! No registration required. All ages.

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Missouri photographer Jeni Carter.

Where do monarchs migrate to? How do they get there? How long does the journey take? Help us capture, tag, and release these amazing creatures as we discuss these questions. No registration required. All ages

Learn the basics and try your hand at filleting crappie, a popular sport fish, under the guidance of staff volunteer Bruce Carpenter. After filleting, we'll sample some pre-cooked crappie and discuss how you can prepare and cook your next big catch. All equipment (and fish!) provided. Registration required. Ages 12+

“Missouri’s State Natural Areas - the Original Native Plant Gardens”

Come learn about where our native plants grow in the wild. MDC Natural Areas Coordinator Mike Leahy will describe the natural history of some of our native gardening favorites and how the Missouri natural areas system conserves their habitats and serves as the original seed source for these species. Registration required. Ages 14+

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike at Graham Cave State Park (Montgomery County); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at 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. Registration required. Ages 18+

New for 2023! Participate in ten Runge hiking programs this calendar year to receive a prize AND a chance to win the grand prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors!

Saturday, partipants will receive presentations on regulations and various trap types. Then, they will break out into smaller groups and set traps with mentors from the Missouri Trappers Association and MDC.

Sunday, participants will check their traplines and then go through the fur handling process including: skinning, fleshing, drying, and other steps of the fur handling process.

Be sure to dress for the weather as most of this clinic hands-on in the outdoors. Open to all ages but pre-registration is required.

Where do monarchs migrate to? How do they get there? How long does the journey take? Help us capture, tag, and release these amazing creatures as we discuss these questions. No registration required. All ages

Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2:

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 operate a spin cast fishing rod. Participants will also learn the 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, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website.

Please contact the Community Education Assistant, Lance Lewis with questions.

Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov