Events

By including a few spring flowers in your recipes, you will add essential nutrients and appealing color to your meals. Discover which edible native wildflowers you can include in your salads, pastries and even ice cubes.

All ages (should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike)

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees. We will meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center.

Mussels are often hidden and seldom seen, but they are a vital part of Missouri's aquatic ecosystems. Join Naturalist Sam Grove to learn about mussel life cycles, unique adaptations, and mussel conservation. This program will not be recorded. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link.

This program will cover what to do to get started shooting handguns. We will cover handgun fundamentals, including handgun actions, operation, safety, shooting techniques. After the classroom portion we will head to the range to practice what was just taught. All firearms and ammunition will be provided. If you would like to bring your own handgun you may bring one handgun and you must provide your own ammunition. Please leave your ammunition in your vehicle until time to shoot. This program is for individuals age 16 and up.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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 and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.

Missouri is home to many kinds of frogs, but the bullfrog is the king of the pond. Come find out what makes this frog so special.

Hummingbirds are beautiful and unique birds. Discover more about these tiny fliers and learn how to attract these magnificent little jewels to your yard or garden.

Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for a introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation will be provided to Trail of Tears State Park, about 25 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy athletic or hiking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.