Events

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.

Do you want to learn catfishing tactics using a fishing pole? Do you want to enhance your fish cleaning skills and learn how to prepare your catch? This pond to plate workshop is for you! Registered participants will be allowed to harvest catfish, which will be used to demonstrate cleaning and cooking.

Topics covered:

- Catfishing equipment

- Bait options

- Proper fish handling

- Cleaning

- Different cooking methods

All participants under 16years of age need to be accompanied by adult. Participants are welcome to bring their own fishing poles and bait, but all equipment and supplies will be provided. All participants that aren’t exempt must posses a valid Missouri fishing permit. Come join us for a fun, relaxing, tasty, and educational evening of catfishing.

Ever wondered what bird you just heard or saw? We'll practice bird identification, learn about all the amazing migrating birds that come to our state, practice binocular skills, and get more familiar with birds!

Conservation Kids is a program designed for children aged 7 to 12 but the program is interactive and parents will play/help their children throughout the program.

Come along as we explore the Natural Tunnel Trail in Bennett Spring State Park. This trail is 8.5 miles long and rated moderate in difficulty. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and a sack lunch. Trekking poles are suggested. Transportation will be provided.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 30 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.

At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 30. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 and Zone 3 fishing areas will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .

This event is the stream-side certification to become a Level 1 water quality monitor with Missouri Stream Team. For attendees under the age of 18, a sponsoring adult must be present.

**You must complete step one, the required virtual learning on the Missouri Stream Team YouTube page, prior to attending this event**

The virtual training videos can be found through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBQMlfy_cD4DQe07cir0nipWVrbQ2npVy

For more information on the VWQM program, please visit www.mostreamteam.org/water-quality-monitoring.html

For any questions, please email StreamTeam@mdc.mo.gov

Artwork on display in the lobby.

Join us for an evening on how to hunt turkeys in the fall! We will cover info and strategies on calling, decoys and more to help you harvest a bird during the October shotgun and regular archery seasons. space is limited so make sure to register!

Learn the basics of hunting a whitetail deer. We will cover scouting, setup, taking the shot and much more.

Learn the basics of hunting a whitetail deer. We will cover scouting, setup, taking the shot and much more.