Events

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plant and animals found in the State of Missouri. We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. No reservations are needed, so drop by the lobby of the Forest Park Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor Center & Educations Center any time between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Join MDC volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you create hand painted cards. We encourage you to bring photos of your favorite flowers.

All supplies will be provided.

Have you ever wondered where our big bronze box turtle in front of Runge came from? It came from the creative brain and skilled hands of artist Tom Schulte of Jefferson City.

Tom will be at Runge to talk about his amazing artwork—not only our beautiful bronze turtle

but also his newest art project—using oil paint and aged copper to create intriguing and beautiful landscapes.

Come see a collection of Tom’s unique copper pieces inspired by nature. You may even recognize scenes at Runge in some of the art pieces.

Stop by the Runge lobby to meet Tom and see his amazing art! No registration required. All ages

Share the experience of spring bird migration with us! Kennedy Forest in Forest Park attracts a high concentration of beautiful birds, and it's a "collector" for these birds escaping the concrete of the city. They will be looking for food, hopping around in the trees, and singing their little hearts out. How do they have enough energy and spunk to be singing after flying hundreds, if not thousands of miles?

If migration allows, we will be in for a spectacular show of colors, patterns, energy, and endurance! We will be moving slowly through the forest and savannah along 1.5 miles on established trails and stairs, looking for and learning about warblers, buntings, orioles, grosbeaks, flycatchers, and more!

We encourage all to attend. No prior bird knowledge required. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, bird field guide, and binoculars if you have them. There will be a limited number of binoculars to borrow.

**We will meet at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. We'll meet near the corner of Wells Drive and the road leading to the Forest Park Picnic Pavilion #11. Park on Wells Drive.**

Please register each participant individually.

This hike is a follow-up to Hike 101 but all are welcome. We will determine a starting point by looking at a topographic map of Rockwoods Reservation. Learn more about hiking basics as we hike the trail we have chosen.

Meet at the Pavilion. Dress for the weather, closed toe shoes are required for hiking.

From fluttering wings to tiny paws, we'll discover how pollinators help flowers bloom and fruit grow!

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! We will have free and fun activities for adults and children alike. Discover ways you can help bird conservation at the Howard Woods Urban Outreach Office, Brightside Demo Garden, and St. Louis Public Library- Kingshighway Branch to earn a bird-friendly prize.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

What's all this buzz about bees? We'll discuss bee species native to Missouri, the life cycle of a bee, and why bees are important to our ecosystem.

There will also bee a movie and a game of BEE-NGO! It is sure to be a great time!

Please contact Lance Lewis, Community Education Assistant with any questions.

Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov