Events

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians.

Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.

Come learn about one of Missouri’s most interesting flyers—owls! How can these nocturnal birds find food in the dark? We’ll learn why these lucky owls get to stay up past our bedtimes. It’ll be a hoot!

Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Come learn about one of Missouri’s most interesting flyers—owls! How can these nocturnal birds find food in the dark? We’ll learn why these lucky owls get to stay up past our bedtimes. It’ll be a hoot!

Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

WHO…. WHOO…. WHOO is ready for Trek ‘N’ Treat? Help us celebrate the spookiest time of year with a not-so-spooky event perfect for all ages. This year will be owl-erific, featuring a variety of Missouri’s nocturnal feathered fliers. Show up wearing your costume, and take a stroll down our short Trek-n-Treat trail. As you progress along the trail, learn about these impressive birds at stations explaining the owl-erific facts that make these birds unique. Bring your treat bucket! After you “trek” to each station, you may find some treats fall into your treat bucket. Remember to keep an eye out for our creature-characters along the trail. They love to hand out treats and are excited to see “who” will come visit them. Afterwards, visit the inside of the nature center for owl-themed games, activities, and crafts. The World Bird Sanctuary will be here for you to see these amazing birds in a meet and greet fashion. We will release specific details regarding these programs closer to the program date. We hope to see you there!

Meet Missouri’s only species of tarantula, the Texas brown tarantula! Although these large, hairy spiders may seem scary to some, you will discover that these arachnids are quite gentle and shy. Tune in to find out where they live and how they fit into our ecosystem.

Please make sure that 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.

This class is a series of 12 program that meets once each month all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some of the most iconic trees of southeast Missouri such as the bald cypress and white oak; as well as lesser-known trees like the cucumber magnolia, Ozark chestnut, and oaks and ashes native to our part of the state. Each block will feature a leaf with either its fruit or flower. At each class you will discover a new tree’s secret life history, habitat preferences, importance to wildlife and myriad uses by people through the ages.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete all 16 blocks for an entire quilt.

Classes will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop and needle. We will have patterns, thread, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns.

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed Lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Enjoy a beautiful fall day at Tywappity Community Lake while you practice your paddling strokes. We will cover all the canoeing basics before we take to the water. Life jackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the Tywappity Community Lake parking lot. From Chaffee take Route A east to Route RA, which leads to the lake.

Enjoy a beautiful fall day at Tywappity Community Lake while you practice your paddling strokes. We will cover all the canoeing basics before we take to the water. Life jackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the Tywappity Community Lake parking lot. From Chaffee take Route A east to Route RA, which leads to the lake.