Events

Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, traverse both inside and outside the nature center as you complete challenges and learn all about birds! Using the app and mission prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through the nature center to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!

Missouri Trees

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month all year long, though you may join at any time. You will learn to use simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques to stitch quilt blocks of some of the iconic trees of southeast Missouri - such as the bald cypress and white oak; as well as lesser known trees like the cucumber magnolia and Ozark chinquapin native to the Southeast part of the state.

Each block will feature a leaf with its fruit and/or flower. At each class you will discover a new tree’s secret life history, habitat preferences, importance to wildlife and the myriad uses by people through the ages.

Classes will be held on either the third or fourth Monday of each month at 5:00 pm via WebEx.

A link will be emailed to the participants' registered email prior to the meeting time, along with the thread colors needed that month. Block templates and information cards will be sent out after the class meets.

It is encouraged to download the application ahead of time to prevent technical issues.

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 trees native to our specific 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 the 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 either the third or fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Gaylord Laboratory Library.

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.

Quack, quack, quack! Waddle, swim, or fly – just get here any way you can as we discover fun facts about ducks, including how they grow and make their amazing journeys. 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.

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap. Woodpeckers are some of Missouri’s most beloved bird species. Their characteristic tap-tap-tapping as they hunt for food has made them one of the most easily recognizable winter birds. Learn about these wonderful woodpeckers, their amazing adaptations, and how to identify Missouri’s seven native species in this virtual program.

Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Come learn all about native evergreens and how you can use their boughs and other amazing pieces from nature to create festive holiday decorations. It is recommended that you bring sturdy leather gloves, hand pruners, and your favorite bows and embellishments to create your own unique wreath OR a vertical/horizontal swag.

Greenery and wreath form/swag board will be provided. Limited amounts of holiday embellishments will also be on hand.

Come learn all about native evergreens and how you can use their boughs and other amazing pieces from nature to create festive holiday decorations. It is recommended that you bring sturdy leather gloves, hand pruners, and your favorite bows and embellishments to create your own unique wreath OR a vertical/horizontal swag.

Greenery and wreath form/swag board will be provided. Limited amounts of holiday embellishments will also be on hand.

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 perfect for the winter season.

Only registered participants may attend program.

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.

You parents deserve a break! That’s why we are offering a program just for you while providing an equally awesome program for your children at the same time. Have you always wanted to attend one of our programs but had trouble finding childcare? Here’s your chance to practice and enjoy different methods of outdoor cooking while your kiddos enjoy fun naturalist-led activities and crafts in the adjoining classroom. Please enroll all children and adults that will be attending. Childcare will only be provided for ages 6 and up.