Events

Aww! Babies are cute, and May welcomes many new animal babies to the world. Join this month’s program and learn about the babies born in May. Afterwards, participate in fun sensory activities in crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Aww! Babies are cute, and May welcomes many new animal babies to the world. Join this month’s program and learn about the babies born in May. Afterwards, participate in fun sensory activities in crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Celebrate mom this month by participating in an outdoor adventure together! You will get a chance to try out fun activities like canoeing, archery, and campfire cooking. Come dressed to be outdoors for the afternoon, bring a water bottle, and bring shoes that can get wet. Please register all participants that are planning to attend.

If reptiles were superheroes, the skink would be The Flash! It is not easy get a good look at these sleek reptiles and usually we only catch a quick glimpse of their blue tail because they are so fast. Join us as we take some time to slow down and learn more about these common lizards and how they help us out.

With spring starting around the show-me state local swamps, glads, and forest floors will start to come alive with the colors of wildflowers. During this program learn about some of the wildflowers you may see when viewing these ecosystems and where you might find them in your area. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

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. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

Join fly fishing enthusiast Michael Fiehler for a beginner’s guide to fly fishing. This hands on program will start you on a relaxing and rewarding journey as you explore basic casting techniques. No experience required and all equipment is provided. Please note there are two identical sessions of this program offered to better fit your schedule, please only register for one day. This program will be held largely outside, so please dress accordingly. In the event of rainy weather the program may be rescheduled.

What better way to announce summer than wading in a crystal-clear Ozark stream and fishing for smallmouth! Join the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center as we wade upstream to find some smallmouth bass ponds along the Whitewater River to fish. Pause briefly to enjoy the water or the early summer sun shining on your face. Bring watershoes, shorts that can get wet, and a change of clothes. The nature center will provide all fishing gear, but teens may bring their own fishing pole if they prefer. Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Explore trees from the inside out; how does a tree grow and how does it make food? We’ll examine the anatomy of trees and how they produce food. Then we will go outside to meet the trees and monitor them for their health.

Explore trees from the inside out; how does a tree grow and how does it make food? We’ll examine the anatomy of trees and how they produce food. Then we will go outside to meet the trees and monitor them for their health.