Events

State Forest Nursery staff are calling for your assistance.

Since 1947, George O. White State Forest Nursery has provided residents of MO seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The nursery also provides plants to the department for use in conservation activities. They grow more than 70 different species of trees and shrubs, mostly native, and each year process more than 10,000 orders and ship about 2 million seedlings. It takes about 2,000 bushels of walnuts, 6,000 pounds of white oak acorns, 500 pounds of hazelnuts and 500 pounds of plum seed just to establish seedlings for these four species.

The nursery is currently purchasing seed from the public for a variety of species such as wild plum, willow oak, cherrybark oak, eastern wahoo, and bald cypress. Please contact MDC's Southeast Regional Office, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, or State Forest Nursery for this year's complete seed list.

Seed can be brought to MDC's Southeast Regional Office at 2302 County Park Dr Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 2289 County Park Dr Tues-Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The nursery reserves the right to stop buying seed once needs are met. The nursery also reserves the right to reject seed that is poor quality, is not mature, or is mixed with refuse such as leaves and twigs. People in southeast Missouri who have questions about tree species or how to check to see if the seed is good can contact MDC Community Forester Jennifer Behnken. People can also get information from George O. White Nursery Manager Mike Fiaoni at Michael.Fiaoni@mdc.mo.gov.

Hey Agents! Are you ready for an action-packed Missouri Explorer 3.0 Campaign? There are brand new missions, cool prizes, and much fun to be had. There are 22 missions across the state of Missouri, complete your first mission and pick up your Agent in Training player card and lanyard.

Download the free Agents of Discovery app and search the names of the Missions from the list below. Each Mission is a series of interactive challenges to learn and explore. If you’re logged in and play more Missions, you’ll be entered to win more cool prizes!

Explore the history of archery in North America from raw material harvest to bow design and performance. Then, using only hand tools and patience, craft your own hickory longbow work of art. Woodworking skills recommended. This program requires stamina and upper arm strength. We will provide interested individuals with a registration form and detailed supply list.

Lists of references and resources for making future bows on your own will be provided.

Get yourself properly rooted for next spring! Missouri Wildflowers Nursey will be selling a variety of native perennials at Cape Girardeau Nature Center. Peruse the plants and get expert advice all in one simple shopping trip. Your neighborhood bees and butterflies will thank you!

Presale arrangements can also be made by contacting Missouri Wildflowers Nursery: https://mowildflowers-net.3dcartstores.com/

Plant families can be confusing! Did you know pesky poison ivy is related to the charming cashew? Join us for a fun, introductory look to how botanists organize plants and explore some of the surprising relationships between Missouri’s native flora and other famous plants in your kitchen and elsewhere. You will walk away from this program with a better understanding of the world around you, and the ability to see patterns in nature, helping you with your plant ID skills. Additionally, Missouri Wildflower Nursey will be holding a native plant sale at the Cape Girardeau nature center from 10am-2pm.

So, you want buck fever? Well, you’ve come to the right place to get your bearings on deer hunting. During this program we will cover everything you need to know to get you ready to head out to the woods and chase the deer of your dreams. This is a family-oriented event, with activities for all ages. Try a shooting simulator and make your own deer call. Join us at 6pm for a presentation about first steps to getting your family ready for the hunt. This program is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series and the building and exhibits will remain open until 7pm.

Imagine you are floating down a crystal-clear Ozark river as balmy autumn breezes lazily chase through sycamore branches, carrying a swirl of already-browning leaves past the front of your kayak. This opportunity is not so far away! Join the Cape Girardeau Nature Center on October 7 as we float six miles down the Castor River and enjoy the warm, early days of autumn on one of Missouri’s Ozark streams. Along the way, clear water passes gravel banks, flows under soaring eagles, and nourishes smallmouth, wildflowers, and mink. All experience levels welcome, though this river requires exiting and walking the kayaks over slippery rocks on occasion. A welcome email will be sent to participants with full details and a packing list about three weeks prior to the trip.

Show Name: Missouri Soul

Aaron Altenthal, owner/photographer for Country Soul Photography, specializes in landscape and nature pics. The name Country Soul comes from growing up in the country, where the spirit of helping neighbors and strangers alike is the way of life. Aaron's goal is to show the "soul" of country through his photography. His photography captures the beauty of well-known places and hidden gems from the photographer's perspective.

It has been a long day; no fish are biting but you still want to be out on or by the water, what is there to do? Join us for this virtual program diving into activities you can do to still have fun when the fish aren't biting. Activities covered will include aquatic birding, bowfishing, skipping stones, and catching frogs. This program is intended for all ages and requires no previous fishing knowledge. So, join us and have more fun by the water at your local conservation areas.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

Discover how simple it is to prepare herbal tea using Missouri's native wild plants. In this class you’ll sample a variety of native wild tasty teas. You'll even fill your own teabags with your favorite tea leaves to take home.

Only registered participants may attend program.