Events

Quack, quack, quack! Waddle, swim, or fly – just get here any way you can as we discover fun facts about ducks, including how they grow and make their amazing journeys. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Landowners that own property within Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Douglas Texas and Wright Counties will be given highest registration priority.

The online "Official Missouri Prescribed Burn Course" must be completed before attending this event. You can register for the online portion here: https://www.hunter-ed.com/prescribedburn/

The online course has a $25 charge to a third-party host (not MDC) and can be completed in approximately 2 – 4 hours. Please bring your certificate of completion and mileage sheet to the Demonstration Field Day.

We will be conducting a prescribed burn so please dress accordingly with leather boots, leather gloves, cotton pants, cotton long sleeve shirt, and safety glasses. Participants will learn about burn equipment, burn line installation, safe weather parameters, ignition operations, and other techniques to safely conduct a prescribed burn.

If inclement weather, training will be moved indoors to the Ozark Regional Office (551 Joe Jones Blvd., West Plains, MO 65775)

Make one-of-a-kind natural presents to give to the people you love this holiday season. Walk-in anytime between 9 am and 12 pm and stop by our craft tables to create a special native work of art. Each child will be able to create three beautiful hand-crafted items to take home. Give as a gift or keep for yourself. You decide!

Deck the hills with trees of holly! Join us for a leisurely hike as we discover more about American holly trees and other unique sights at Holly Ridge Conservation Area. We will explore different trails on the area that are moderate with a few steep hills about 4 miles total in distance. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle and lunch. Children ages 12-17 must have an adult enrolled and accompany them. We will meet at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and carpool to the area.

Join volunteer Pickett Lema for a beginner’s lesson into winter watercolors. This class will focus on techniques for winter landscapes and December holiday content.

Supplies will be provided.

Stop by anytime to make some simple holiday ornaments from recycled and natural materials. We’ll supply the materials, kids bring the creativity, and parents provide guidance. Bring a bag to carry your ornaments home.

Quack, quack, quack! Waddle, swim, or fly – just get here any way you can as we discover fun facts about ducks, including how they grow and make their amazing journeys. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Registration required (ages 12+) Making the holidays a little greener this season? Then deck the halls with boughs of native trees and plants. Join us for one of the Discovery Center's favorite holiday traditions! Fashion a festive holiday swag or wreath to hang using native evergreens, prairie grasses, wild nuts, berries, seed pods, game bird feathers and your imagination. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly…the holidays are just around the corner and we’re in the mood to decorate! We’ll use nature’s resources to create wonderful winter wreaths, swags, and garlands. You provide a grapevine wreath (you choose the size and shape you want), and we’ll provide everything else to do your decorating. Grapevine wreaths can be found online or at local craft stores.

Sessions are 2 hours long. Tools will be provided (pruners, pliers, and wire cutters). Some gloves will be available, but you may want to bring your own leather or garden gloves. You may bring your own tools if you wish.

Only registered participants may attend program.

Registration required (ages 12+) Making the holidays a little greener this season? Then deck the halls with boughs of native trees and plants. Join us for one of the Discovery Center's favorite holiday traditions! Fashion a festive holiday swag or wreath to hang using native evergreens, prairie grasses, wild nuts, berries, seed pods, game bird feathers and your imagination. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.