Events

Welcome Summertime with a guided public tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! Join a Naturalist to learn the difference between the Rainbow and Brown Trout raised at the hatchery, then visit the raceways and discover the amazing trout-raising process! And for just a quarter, you can feed the fish, too! Tours will meet at the large trout aquarium inside the Conservation Education Center.

Tours will be held four times daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning May 26th and continuing through Friday, September 4th. (The Hatchery will be closed for state holidays on June 19th and July 4th.)

All ages are invited, and no registration is required. For questions, call us at 417-334-4865 ext. 0, or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

View Greg Renner's personal collection of antique duck decoys made in Missouri.

Gloria Gaus is a Missouri landscape painter whose plein air and studio oil paintings follow the seasons across the state’s rivers, wetlands, and open prairies. Her collection of Missouri landscapes is on display through August 28. 

Nature printmaking is the art of creating lifelike images on paper or fabric with found objects from nature. MDC Naturalist Pat Whalen exhibits nature prints from his personal work and programs he presents at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. His prints will be on display in the west wing hallway through August. 

Look for book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a seasonal children’s book as you walk and explore. Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (August 12 & 26).

Fishing is a great way to connect with nature! Whether you are wondering what a fly even is, or you are experienced in fishing, join us for an evening of learning, practice, and fun. Participants will receive a brief overview of the art form, including materials needed and some basic techniques, before tying their own flies to take home.

Learn the basics of shooting the bow and arrow utilizing some of the techniques and methods that have been adopted by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This program will teach the fundamentals of archery including equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques This family event is for all ages with the desire to shoot a bow and arrow but have little or no experience. Parents / guardians may need to assist their youth in drawing the bow string since the minimum draw is 8 lbs. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

Registration is not required, since this is come-and-go event for the public. Individuals will rotate in 5 persons at a time for two rounds of shooting before getting back in waiting line.

Spiders may seem a little freaky at first, but that’s part of what makes them so fascinating. Once you get to know them, you’ll find that most are completely harmless and truly remarkable. In this people-friendly program, we’ll explore a variety of habitats at Powder Valley Nature Center, searching for and observing several species of harmless spiders. Using simple, hands-on methods, participants will learn how to safely observe, identify, document, and appreciate these incredible creatures with care and respect.

This experience is perfect for anyone hoping to build confidence and comfort when encountering spiders in everyday life. Along the way, we’ll also highlight the essential role spiders play in keeping ecosystems healthy, from balancing insect populations to supporting the natural systems we depend on for our own well-being. By the end, we’ll gain new knowledge, increased appreciation, and maybe even a soft spot for our extraordinary eight-legged neighbors.

Registrants will be notified 24 hours in advance if weather requires cancellation.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals healthy. Bring your family and friends as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult groups are welcome.