Conservation Education

Nature Activity

Springfield Nature Center Eagle Days

• Program: Eagle Days, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Jan. 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Features: Inside the nature center: hourly live eagle programs. Around Lake Springfield: spotting scopes for viewing wild eagles until 4 p.m.
• For more info: Visit the links listed below or call (417) 888-4327

Every winter the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and nearby Lake Springfield celebrate the return of wintering bald eagles with their annual Eagle Days event. Great for families, this year’s program includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Inside the nature center, Phoenix, a live bald eagle from Dickerson Park Zoo, will thrill visitors with demonstrations every hour on the hour both Saturday and Sunday. Outdoors, visitors can view wild eagles and waterfowl feeding on the lake until 4 p.m. Staff and volunteers will have spotting scopes set up at various locations around the lake. Stop by the nature center for driving directions to scope stations. No registration for the two-day event is required. To view nature activities happening around the state, visit "Events" online.

Identify Trees in Winter

Book helps you “read” bark and twigs.

If you can’t tell one deciduous tree from another after they shed their leaves, you might be surprised to learn that a tree’s bark and twigs are reliable identification characteristics any time of the year. A Key to Missouri Trees in Winter shows you how to interpret them. This classic dichotomous key uses a series of couplets or alternative choices to guide you through the field identification of 123 trees and shrubs native to Missouri. Simple black and white ink sketches accompany each species name, helping you confirm your identification. At 46 pages, this lightweight guide is easy to carry afield. You can find A Key to Missouri Trees in Winter at Department nature center Nature Shops and online. To order, call toll free (877) 521-8632 or visit the MDC Nature Shop online. The price is just $3 each, plus shipping, handling and sales tax, where applicable.

Become a Master Naturalist

Local chapters offer training opportunities statewide.

Turn your passion for nature into mastery that can make a difference. Become a master naturalist. Co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension, the Master Naturalist™ program helps you become a well-informed community leader dedicated to improving natural resources. Local chapters will offer training at various times throughout the year. Training in Cole Camp, Columbia, Joplin and West Plains starts in February. To receive training notices, e-mail master_naturalist@mdc.mo.gov. See the links listed below for more information.