Events

Spring flowers make for some delicious jellies, syrups, sodas, and other wild treats. Join us to learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare jellies, syrups, sodas, and other wild edibles. This class includes both native plants suitable for planting in your yard and non-native plants you can weed and eat.

Celebrate springtime with a sensory hike! Using our senses, we will experience nature in a whole new way! Dress for the weather and be prepared for an outdoor adventure! The program will include a walk, a craft, and a story. Registration required. Ages 3-6

With the cold finally giving way to some warmer weather it is time for some of Missouri’s residents to wake up and start their year. Learn about what animals who will be peaking their heads back out or traveling back to MO. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Links will be sent at least 30 minutes before program start.

Spring flowers make for some delicious jellies, syrups, sodas, and other wild treats. Join us to learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare jellies, syrups, sodas, and other wild edibles. This class includes both native plants suitable for planting in your yard and non-native plants you can weed and eat.

This program is for people who are interested in hiking but aren’t sure how to start or those who want to brush up on their skills. Information presented will include: the basics of hiking: clothes and equipment needed; hiking with children and pets; knowing your health status, and hiking etiquette.

A short hike will follow after the program.

Meet at the Pavilion

Please register each person attending individually.

Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for an introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation will be provided to Seventy-Six Conservation Area, about 40 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

Join us to learn the basics of the care and cleaning of firearms. This program will include tips and techniques for all aspects of maintenance of your firearm. A link to join will be provided the day before the event.

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 that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Registration required through https://DeepRoots.org (adults) This is a mature maple/oak forest and is recognized by the National Park Service as a significant Natural Area in Gladstone, Missouri. Learn with MDC experts why it is a popular spring destination to view migrant songbirds and wildflower displays. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.

All ages (should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike)

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees. We will meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center.