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.

Trade the neighborhood sidewalk for the paved trails of Powder Valley! Join Powder Valley volunteers for a guided hiking experience for you and your stroller aged little ones. On the hike the volunteers will engage you with the nature found along the way. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will you encounter? Only one way to find out!

Stroller Strolls is monthly walk designed for parents and guardians with stroller aged children. Please register the child and the parent or guardian.

Ponds and wetlands are bursting with hidden life, and this people-friendly program invites us to discover it together. With provided nets, containers, and magnifiers, we will gently catch and observe crayfish, tadpoles, amphibians, and aquatic insects offering a tiny window into the underwater world.

An experienced conservation educator will guide participants in safe, respectful methods for collecting, observing, documenting, and releasing these organisms, helping participants feel confident and curious as they explore.

As we investigate the water’s edge, we'll learn how different species can reveal clues about the health of aquatic ecosystems. Every creature becomes a chance to understand how wetlands function and why they’re so important. The pace is relaxed and welcoming, with time to enjoy quiet moments by the water, watch ripples spread across the pond, and appreciate the beauty of these habitats.

It’s hands on, a little muddy, and perfect for anyone who loves exploring nature.

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

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call 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.

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).

The remnant swamps and wetlands of Missouri provide unique habitat and angling opportunities for fish. In this program we will be meeting at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and shuttling to Duck Creek Conservation Area to explore remnant and restored swamps. Come learn about our precious, muddy ecosystems and catch some bass, sunfish, catfish, or even a bowfin.

Southeast Fishing Fin-atics is an opportunity to meet other anglers, explore different areas of fishing, and expand your skills. We are looking for anglers who have some fishing experience and are looking to build on those skills in a safe and welcoming environment.