Events

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.

Over 50 guest artists with various styles. View the exhibit and vote for your favorite piece of art.

Look for the book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a story while walking and exploring. A different book is posted each month. No registration required. All ages

Nature is a gift, but it also provides some great materials for making gifts! Join us as we create a nature-inspired craft to present to a loved one during this season of giving. Registration required. Ages 3-6.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Mammals are marvelous warm and fuzzy critters, but what makes them unique from other animals? Join us virtually in learning all about the mammals that call Missouri home. Registration required. All ages invited, however, material covered is geared for adults. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. Presenter will email the program link to participants both the day before and day of the program.

Start your morning with a naturalist and learn the basics of winter bird identification while enjoying a hot cup of java! After a classroom introduction to Missouri’s winter birds, follow the naturalist on a winter bird walk to put your new skills to the test! Hot water and tea will also be provided. Be sure to dress for the weather. Registration required. Ages 12+

You’ve probably heard fresh air is good for you or that time in nature is healing, but what does the literature say? This month, we will read and discuss titles related to health and nature. Some suggested titles include:

Vitamin N by Richard Louv

The Nature Fix by Florence Williams

The Natural Health Service by Isabel Hardman

Read one of these or bring a related title to discuss. Coffee and tea will be provided. Registration required. Ages 16+

Join a naturalist, virtually, for a nature story or two around our cozy Runge fireplace. Grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up to watch and listen to stories geared for the little ones but enjoyed by all ages. Be sure to include your email address when registering. The presenter will email the link to participants the morning of the program. Registration required. All ages

Nature is a gift, but it also provides some great materials for making gifts! Join us as we create a nature-inspired craft to present to a loved one during this season of giving. Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 age range AND at least one child in the 3-6 age range.