Events

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7 -15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.

Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided.

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

Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. For assistance with registration please email the program instructor.

Lesson 3:

Lesson 1&2 must be taken before any of other Discover Nature Fishing lessons 3-4.

In this class, participants will learn basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout as well as hands-on fishing. Participants will also learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, you will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

Lesson 4:

In this final lesson you will learn how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions as well as hands-on fishing. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. 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 ages 6 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Everyone that is attending must register!

400 Missouri residents were drawn to participate in this year's inaugural black bear hunt which opens on October 18th. Those hunters were invited to attend special educational programs to learn about black bear hunting in Missouri. Now, we’re opening that educational opportunity to the public! This program covers a variety of topics on how to prepare for black bear hunting in Missouri.

A link to the virtual event will be emailed on the date of the event to everyone who registers.

Missouri is home to many beautiful plants which can provide fall color. Naturalist Jordi Raos will share some easy to grow native plants that can add some spice to your yard! Enjoy a short virtual presentation followed by a Q&A session. When registering, please provide an active email address in your profile as you will receive a link the day prior to the program. All ages. This program will not be recorded.

Explore the history of archery in North America from raw material harvest to bow design and performance. Then, using only hand tools and patience, craft your own hickory longbow work of art. Cost for materials is $110.

To ensure the safety of all, this program requires participants to observe social distancing and to wear a face covering. Woodworking skills recommended. This program requires stamina and upper arm strength. We will provide interested individuals with a registration form and detailed supply list. Checks should be made to MCHF. Lists of references and resources for making future bows on your own will be provided.

Join avid outdoorsman Don Brink for an introduction to backpacking. Learn about the types of equipment, things beginners should know, and places to go in the Ozarks. After attending this program you’ll be ready to head out on your own. Ages 10-adult.

From Disneynature comes "Wings of Life" – a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible – and increasingly threatened – creatures. ~ You are welcome to bring snacks and a pillow/blanket to lay on in the grass or chairs for the movie. We will be showing the movie outside on the back wall of our building.

Registration is required by 5PM the day before the program. Please contact Alyssa.garver@mdc.mo.gov with any questions or for assistance in registering. This is a FREE program. All ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet the most iconic of American conservationists from the last two centuries in this self-guided exhibit featuring life-size cutouts of conservation-minded pioneers such as Rachel Carson and John Muir. This exhibit is provided by the not-for-profit organization, "Legends of Conservation". All ages are welcome; no registration required.

Registration is required! Shotgun shooting is fun and exciting. If you want to learn about the shotgun fundamentals from the very beginning or improve your skill at skeet, trap or 5-stand, this One-on-One Shotgun Instruction course is for you! Our instructors will help you get started and work with you on the basics to prepare you for moving on to each discipline. To register or for more information, please call 816-249-3194. You must provide your own shotgun and two (2) full boxes of shells. The shells must be # 7.5, 8, or 9 shot. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Have you just bought a new pistol and want to become more familiar with it? Do you need some help getting started as a new shooter or haven’t shot for a while and want to get back into it? Is there a technique that you want to learn or improve upon? This one-on-one instruction is for you! It is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Participants must provide their own pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition. For more information or to make an appointment, call 816-249-3194.

Registration required (ages 14+) Fall can be a showstopper in the native plant gardens. Many native tall grass flowers are in full bloom and covered in pollinators. Join our native landscape specialists for a walk around the grounds and bring your questions about your own native plant gardens. This is an all-outdoor program so dress for the weather.

A carnivorous swamp monster, exploding seed bombs, and vampires that suck the life from the forest around them, Missouri is home to some unusual plants! Join us for fun look at the peculiar ways that some of Missouri’s flora make a living. While this program is open to all ages, it has been designed for ages 12 and up. This program is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series and exhibits will be open until 7pm.

Take a leisurely stroll to the Confluence in the morning twilight. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a doughnut as we watch the sun rise over the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Don’t forget your camera for this Golden Hour.

Bring sunglasses, insect repellant, a water bottle, and a walking stick if you have one, Dress for the weather, including boots or shoes that can get wet or muddy.

Meet at the Columbia Bottom front entrance.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Join MDC Staff for our Introduction to Backpacking Program where we will hike the Current River Challenge from the Round Spring located in Ozark National Scenic Riverways to Echo Bluff State Park (4.5 miles) with an overnight at Echo Bluff. The next day we will hike to Current River State Park (4.5 miles) and kayak back down to our starting point at the Upper Round Spring take-out along the very beautiful spring-fed Current River (4 miles).

Expect the Ozark Hills terrain of steeper climbs (roughly 1,190 foot elevation gain) to beautiful overlooks as well as hikes along ridge tops and down into valleys. We will be camping at the group campsite in Echo Bluff where you will have access to restrooms and shower facilities.

Since this is an Introductory Backpacking Program, all gear and equipment can be provided for participants. We will conduct a virtual check-in one month prior to the trip in the evening to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics. A supply list will be emailed to you if you need any backpacking equipment or gear. All family or friend groupings will be responsible for carrying their own gear, including water filter, stove, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are responsible for packing your own food - this will be discussed in our virtual check-in - and you will be shown how to hang a bear-bag. In adhering to COVID guidelines, please do not share any materials between family or friend groupings to limit exposure. We will be outside for the entirety of this program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the instructor.

Thank you and our hope and goal is for each of you to be more inspired to explore the trails around you - whether that is through practicing your backpacking skills during this trip or taking longer day hikes. We want you to know that you can have access in many ways to our beautiful natural resources!

For details on how to register or to be put on the waiting list, contact Kayla Rosen (kayla.rosen@mdc.mo.gov).

Beginners trapping clinic to gain knowledge of dry land and water trapping. Students will be instructed in setting traps of all types in both dry land and water sets. Students will gain a working knowledge of all aspects of trapping and fur handling in a hands on environment.

Fall is an excellent time to plant natives because the few extra weeks of warm soil temperature provides the roots time to grow. Those roots will mean better growth next spring. Native plants, trees, shrubs and vines will be available for sale on the lawn of the nature center. The sale will be held outside, rain or shine. Plants will be available from vendors, no other items will be available. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Orders can be pre placed with vendors and picked up day of or plants can be selected and purchased day of. The vendors are Ozark Soul Native Plants, Missouri Wildflower Nursery, and Forest Keeling.

Lesson 3&4

Lessons 1 & 2 MUST be taken before any of the other Discover Nature Fishing Lessons.

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing suitable for outdoor and water activities. We will be following local mask and social distancing guidelines. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen. This class is for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All persons in your group MUST be individually registered.

Directions to the Hatchery: Use the Forest Park entrance at West Pine Parkway off Kingshighway Blvd, and turn left on Grand Drive.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families and individuals basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, 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 must register separately. Contact instructor for assistance with registration.

Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance with staff and other participants who are not their family members during this program.

This program is for ages 6 and up.This cane pole fishing lesson will include all of the basics including proper fish handling. Participants must be free from symptoms of illness, must not have had contact with any person who has symptoms of illness within two weeks, and are strongly encouraged to wear a covering over mouth and nose. This program meets at the Educational Fishing Lakes and Hatchery in Forest Park. We will provide instruction, poles and bait. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/ .

Registration required (ages 16+) Want an epic trip right here in KC? Our long-distance hike through Kansas City will have you exploring KC from the WWI Museum, to Crossroads, Downtown and River Market before hopping on the streetcar to return to our starting location. Make a photo journal as you find hidden gems and discover nature. (Must be able to walk three miles at a moderate pace on sidewalks without stopping.) We will stop for lunch on your own about midway through this 6-8 mile adventure. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike.

Did you know Missouri has weasels? Come learn about how wild and amazing the animals in the weasel family are! Ages 3-6.

Registration required (all ages)

Mystery creatures abound in the close-up world of macrophotography. Join Naturalist, Lisa Richter, to film some tiny yet spectacular nature discoveries. Maybe we’ll find a maple spanworm caterpillar pretending to be a twig or a tortoise beetle larva carrying poop camouflage on its tail. These creatures may be small, yet their high populations make them mighty big parts of the web of life. Bring a camera phone or other camera to capture some awesome shots!

Have you ever been stung by a bee while in the garden or on a hike? OUCH! Did you know that a plantain leaf can ease the pain? Many native plants were used for their medicinal value by Native Americans and early settlers. We will talk about the role of native plants in a healthy habitat and then go to the lab to create a couple of our favorite remedies. You will go home with samples of our creations.

Join us in celebrating the 4th birthday of our two-headed snake, Tiger and Lily! There will be crafts and party favors for the kids, opportunities to take photos, and the chance to learn about and touch live snakes.

Most of the festivities will be outdoors. There will be limitations on the amount of visitors at one time in the auditorium exhibit space. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

For more information, call (417) 334-4865 ext 0 or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

Registration required (ages 12+) Fall is the finest time to 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.