Events

Where do monarchs migrate to? How do they get there? How long does the journey take? Help us capture, tag, and release these amazing creatures as we discuss these questions. No registration required. All ages

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (October 11 & 25).

Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2:

Lesson 1: “Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely operate a spin cast fishing rod. Participants will also learn the parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Lesson 2: “How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website.

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

Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov

Join us for an evening on how to hunt turkeys in the fall! We will cover info and strategies on calling, decoys and more to help you harvest a bird during the October shotgun and regular archery seasons. space is limited so make sure to register!

Walk-in (all ages) Whether you are a painter or like to admire artwork at the Discovery Center come join us for the culmination of the Brush Creek Art Walk! Staring at 6:00 p.m. awards will be handed out to the hardworking artists followed by a meet and greet. The artwork will be on display through the end of November. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (adults) Fall is the finest time for forage for fruits of the forest. Come experience our harvest table of wild mushrooms, hickory nuts, walnuts and forest fruits like pawpaws, persimmons and wild grapes. There will be taste tests and a few wild recipes to sample. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those who need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Missouri’s elk population is growing! Join us to learn more about this sensational cervid. We will bugle like bull elks, have fun with elk activities, and even take our own elk hunt! Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 age range AND at least one child in the 3-6 age range.

Materials and Webinar link will be emailed by Oct. 2nd

*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 & 2

This a combined class that includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, how to properly handle and release a fish, how to tie a proper knot, and how to properly bait a hook.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Please meet at the Forest Park Hatchery!