Events

State Forest Nursery staff are calling for your assistance.

Since 1947, George O. White State Forest Nursery has provided residents of MO seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. The nursery also provides plants to the department for use in conservation activities. They grow more than 70 different species of trees and shrubs, mostly native, and each year process more than 10,000 orders and ship about 2 million seedlings. It takes about 2,000 bushels of walnuts, 6,000 pounds of white oak acorns, 500 pounds of hazelnuts and 500 pounds of plum seed just to establish seedlings for these four species.

The nursery is currently purchasing seed from the public for a variety of species such as wild plum, willow oak, cherrybark oak, eastern wahoo, and bald cypress. Please contact MDC's Southeast Regional Office, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, or State Forest Nursery for this year's complete seed list.

Seed can be brought to MDC's Southeast Regional Office at 2302 County Park Dr Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 2289 County Park Dr Tues-Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The nursery reserves the right to stop buying seed once needs are met. The nursery also reserves the right to reject seed that is poor quality, is not mature, or is mixed with refuse such as leaves and twigs. People in southeast Missouri who have questions about tree species or how to check to see if the seed is good can contact MDC Community Forester Jennifer Behnken. People can also get information from George O. White Nursery Manager Mike Fiaoni at Michael.Fiaoni@mdc.mo.gov.

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Missouri photographer Jeni Carter.

Hey Agents! Are you ready for an action-packed Missouri Explorer 3.0 Campaign? There are brand new missions, cool prizes, and much fun to be had. There are 22 missions across the state of Missouri, complete your first mission and pick up your Agent in Training player card and lanyard.

Download the free Agents of Discovery app and search the names of the Missions from the list below. Each Mission is a series of interactive challenges to learn and explore. If you’re logged in and play more Missions, you’ll be entered to win more cool prizes!

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Missouri artist Cheryl Coen.

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to another dimension! Become an Agent and play along with our very own Field Agent Oscar using your senses to discover and engage with nature. Great fun for the whole family!

The mission at Runge Nature Center is designed for you to have sensory experiences as you walk our beautiful Raccoon Run trail. To get started, download the free Agents of Discovery app. Play and earn prizes! 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 (September 13 & 27).

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 (Sept 13th & 27th).

Kayaking is a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. Join us as we learn about the equipment and techniques needed to kayak safely in Missouri before experiencing being on the water yourself.

A flat-water course will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at 5:30 pm at Binder Lake near the boat ramp before the river kayaking trip on Wednesday, September 27th on the Gasconade River from Rollins Ferry River Access to Pointers Creek Access.

Participants will meet at Runge Nature Center and be shuttled to the starting point at Rollins Ferry Access. Must arrive at Runge by 8:00 am to get shuttled to the starting point. All kayaking equipment will be provided.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle, food, sunscreen, hat, and dress in layers for the weather. Registration required. Ages 12+

There are many animals seen and unseen in Tower Grove Park. Uncover a new world of geocaching by seeking out creatures similar to what we see in the Pokémon world. Learn some cool facts of how they help us and nature! Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site.

Fall is coming. With its cooler temperatures, plants and animals will start to change and prepare for the next of our Missouri seasons. Join us for a short, virtual program as we explore what’s happening in nature this fall. Registration required. Registered participants will receive the program link both the day before and day of the program. All ages