Events

Mushrooms and birds are some of the best things about spring! Join Mycological Society and Greater Ozarks Audubon member Dan Liles to explore our trails and identify fungi and birds. This 2-mile hike is rated easy to moderate difficulty. Dress for the weather.

Now that it is warm again bass fishing season is upon us. Learn how to approach spring and summer bass fishing from a former college angler and high school fishing coach.

Carnivore, Herbivore, or Omnivore? Let’s learn all about what, how, and why Missouri mammals are eating! Together we’ll investigate a few awesome animals, looking at their teeth, their habitat and their scat to determine what they might be eating. Afterwards, each participant will be able to make and accessorize their very own slime to take home inspired by one of the animals they learned about.

All materials will be provided, including disposable gloves for slime making. It is recommended to bring an old t-shirt or smock for slime making.

Please register each individual who will be making slime. Parents who will not be making their own slime do not need to register. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Would you like to learn how to cook outdoors using a dutch oven? The program will cover how to get started using a Dutch Oven including equipment and techniques, and you will be able to sample a couple of recipes.

Would you like to learn how to cook outdoors using a dutch oven? This is the program for you! Samples will be provided but not enough for a meal.

Basic Handgun Workshop. Participants will learn handgun parts and operation, ammunition, handgun safety, and shooting fundamentals. Participants will receive one-on-one shooting instruction. This workshop and instruction is offered free of charge. Handguns and ammunition will be provided by MDC. Participants are welcome to bring their own unloaded, cased handguns but will be required to provide their own new factory ammunition (no reloads). This workshop is open to participants 18 and over. Teenagers age 14 to 17 may attend with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Signs of spring can be seen everywhere from birds migrating back to Missouri to blooms on the forest floor. Let’s explore the beauty and uniqueness of ephemeral wildflowers. Join Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center staff to learn how to identify spring wildflowers and which ones you may see in your own backyard. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Register is Required with a valid email address to receive the program link.

Participants will learn about native butternut trees. Then they will delve into the art of woodworking, specifically carving their own trencher bowls from ethically sourced butternut wood. This intermediate-level class covers layout, design, and the use of hand tools.

What looks like a spikey dinosaur patrolling the murky bottoms of our southeast Missouri swamps is actually the largest species of freshwater turtle in North America. Join us as we dive into the natural history of this turtle and separate fact from fiction.