Events

Please note, this virtual program WILL NOT BE RECORDED and will use the WebEx platform*

Register for a VIRTUAL art class as we create a series of three paintings showcasing Missouri’s state symbols! For our third painting, we will paint a Hawthorn, Missouri‘s State Flower. This painting project will help you spring into your creative side!

Gather your own supplies and follow step-by-step painting instructions, led by volunteer Gala Keller. PLUS learn some fun facts about hawthorns! Small canvases and simple techniques used, no painting experience necessary. Great for kids and adults, lots of fun for a family evening!

This 90-minute program is suitable for adults and youth (ages 6+). Please register with a valid email to receive the program link and a suggested list of supplies. For those that have registered, the supply list will be sent out the week of the program and once again after registration closes. The program LINK will be sent on Thursday, May 2nd. If you do not receive the link, please check your email spam folder.

Registration is required by Wednesday, May 1st. Only one registration needed per screen for multiple participants at the same location.

If you register but do not receive the supply list and/or link the week of the program, please contact Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov, or call (417) 334-4865 ext 0 for more information.

Young anglers will have opportunities to experience the fun of catching fish at Bennett Spring State Park’s Kids’ Fishing Day 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on May 4th. Kids ages 15 and under can pick up free trout tags at the park store on May 3th from 5-9 p.m. and all day on May 4th. A section of Zone 2 and Zone 3 at the park will be reserved for youth anglers. Volunteers will be on hand to help. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to help kids, but adults are also asked to let children fish by themselves as much as possible. Only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish in the designated kids’ fishing zone.

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. To help with Kids’ Fishing Day or for more information please call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418

From fluttering wings to tiny paws, we'll discover how pollinators help flowers bloom and fruit grow!

Join Volunteer Naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6-mile loop trail.

Any time can be a great time to fish. Let's brush up on those fish-cleaning skills. This session will focus on cleaning scaled and skinned fish. We will look at some of the common equipment needed and common methods of cleaning these fish.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Shoal Creek Conservation Center for Birds and Brews! This partnership program gives anyone (14 years old and older) an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee and explore the world of spring bird migration through a short walk by Shoal Creek. The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on some uneven trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. This event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark Gateway Audubon Chapter, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

Join us to discover the basics of responsible handgun ownership and the joys of shooting. We will cover safety, handgun nomenclature, sight picture, sight alignment, breath control, trigger squeeze, and much more. During the live fire portion, .22 handguns and ammunition will be provided. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

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.

Bring your loved ones in to sip on drinks and nibble on dishes made with wild edible plants. Naturalist Jordi Raos will give a presentation followed by a short garden walk and craft. (Mother not required to attend!) All people attending must register as seating is limited.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.