Events

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Cardinals, hummingbirds, turkeys, and eagles are always busy. What makes birds so special and different from other animals? Fly in to find out! Ages 3-6.

Buzz Buzz Buzz! Fly on in to learn about the amazing pollinators that surround us here in Missouri! We’ll play games as we learn more about these cool creatures. This program is designed for children ages 7-12 and their adults/caregivers.

Naturalist Jordi Raos will share some of her favorite native plants and talk about how to pick the right plant for the right spot. All ages. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Stop by the Nature Center to purchase plants and garden related items from Missouri plant vendors, get tips from one of our local exhibitors, and watch a short gardening demonstration or two. All ages. No registration is required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information or stop by the Nature Center for an event flyer.

Spring is here! What does that mean for plants and animals? Let’s learn about what this special season brings. Ages 3-6.

Plants have always been important to humans for food, medicine, and other purposes. Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will explore the folklore and modern uses of several Missouri plants during a trail hike. Ages 15-adult.

Want to learn how to identify common Missouri tree species? This workshop is for you! Join MDC education staff in this workshop to learn identifying characteristics and using a dichotomous key to properly identify Missouri tree species. Topics included in the workshop:

• Leaf or bud arrangement

• Bark types

• Dendrology

• Using a dichotomous key to identify trees

• Growth habits and preferred growing sites of common trees

• Using a Biltmore stick to estimate board foot volume

Come have fun experiencing the beautiful trails at the Springfield Nature center has you learn more about Missouri’s wonderful tree species! Each participant will receive resources to help them identify and enjoy our Missouri trees! For more information contact Lyle Whittaker at (417)895-6880 Ext. 1644 or email Lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov

Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2-6.

Hike and explore the newly opened Bryant Creek State Park in Douglas County. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle and war comfortable hiking shoes. Trekking poles are recommended. Hike is approximately 5 miles and rated difficult. Ages 18-adult.

How does a plant grow? Come learn with us as we plant seeds to take home! Ages 3-6.

Bring your babies out for a walk on our Boardwalk Trail. We’ll look for frogs and talk about spring together. Please bring a trail-ready stroller or pack to carry baby. Ages 0-2.

Warblers are difficult birds to recognize but a joy to many. Join naturalist Jordi Raos as she discusses how to improve your warbler identification. Naturalist Notes is a regular program where a naturalist showcases one of their favorite nature topics. All ages are welcome, but this program is designed for ages 10-adult. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

MDC Science programs highlight the incredible work done by scientists with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Don’t miss your chance to learn about barn owl biology in Missouri. Natural History Biologist, Rhonda Rimer, will give an informative presentation about this project and more, followed by a question-and-answer session. A live barn owl from Dickerson Park Zoo will also be featured. All ages are welcome, but this program is designed for ages 12-adult. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Happy Earth Day! Come learn about the threatened and endangered species in Missouri and how you can help them at this Earth Day Discovery Table. A naturalist will be on hand to offer some fun facts and answer questions. All ages.

How do zoos fit into conservation? Come find out as we explore Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo on a special, behind-the-scenes tour. Transportation, admission, snacks, and water will be provided. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Ages 12-17.

Help celebrate our 35th anniversary with a hike at the Nature Center! Each month a naturalist will lead a hike to share the beauty of the Nature Center trails with you. Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike 1.5 to 2 miles. The trail is considered easy to moderately difficult with some uneven terrain. Ages 8-adult. Children ages 8-17 must have a registered adult accompanying them.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a naturalist? Come try out some of the skills naturalists use in their job! We’ll talk about plants, animals, and how we do what we do! This program is designed for children ages 7-12 and their adults/caregivers.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center would like to invite your family and friends to our first multicultural event. We will highlight Missouri’s diversity and showcase how different cultures enjoy nature. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, demonstrations, booths, short programs, crafts for kids, and lots of fun! All ages.