Events

Join us for the gift of wildflowers courtesy of Mother Nature. Hike a 3 ½ mile natural trail that loops through meadows, woods and along streams; or turn back after the first mile. A short stop will be made at the platform overlooking the Meramec River Valley where participants can turn back. We will stop, admire, and discuss the different flowers in bloom along the trail. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring water and snacks if desired. Meet in the parking lot at Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area.

Snakes are amazing animals and not really scary at all. Come and join us to learn lots of neat things about snakes like how they move, smell, hear and eat. There will be live snakes that are found in Missouri to looks at and even touch. We will also go outside and try to find some snakes in their natural habitat. Participants should be prepared for a short walk on a crushed stone trail. Meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center. Register each child attending.

Aww! Babies are cute, and May welcomes many new animal babies to the world. Join this month’s program and learn about the babies born in May. Afterwards, participate in fun sensory activities in crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

No registration required (ages 13+) In the United States, window collisions are estimated to cause 600 million bird deaths annually and almost half of these are at home windows. Do you have a window or two at your home or office that is frequently struck by birds? Join MDC and the Missouri River Bird Observatory to learn why window collisions happen, the best strategies to prevent them and what actions are being taken to reduce window strikes around the KC metro area. It's simple and inexpensive to save birds around your home and office! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you make a wonderful Mother's Day gift. We encourage you to bring photos of your favorite native flower arrangements.

All supplies will be provided.

Watch Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink transform simple rocks into artistic and functional points similar to the ones used by early humans. Learn the basics and try your hand at this age-old skill.

Join us for beginner kayaking and a relaxing time on the water. During this kayaking program you will learn about paddling equipment, paddling safety, and how to paddle a kayak on a lake. Life jackets, kayaks, and paddles will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and closed toed shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the boat ramp area at Teal Lake off Huntingfield Rd in Mexico. Minimum age to participate is 9 years old. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Walk-in (all ages) Did you know that native plants beautify landscapes and help support songbirds and other cherished wildlife? Join the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) at the Discovery Center for a spring native plant sale. Grow Native! vendors will be on hand with a wide selection of native flowers, grasses, sedges, shrubs, vines and trees for a variety of growing conditions. Vendors will contribute a percentage of plant sale proceeds to benefit MPF's prairie conservation in Missouri. Visit www.moprairie.org for participating vendors and information about pre-ordering or you can shop in person the day of the sale. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and how to cook using a tin can. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than fifteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions, please contact the host.

We look forward to having you join us!

Aww! Babies are cute, and May welcomes many new animal babies to the world. Join this month’s program and learn about the babies born in May. Afterwards, participate in fun sensory activities in crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.