Discover Nature

To find more events near you, call your regional office, or visit mdc.mo.gov and choose your region.

Wetlands for Kids

• April 5, Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• St. Louis Region, August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area 2360 Hwy. D, St. Charles, MO 63304
• No registration
• All ages

See live birds of prey, create wetland artwork, explore a beaver lodge, practice air rifle and archery skills, view live snakes and turtles, or watch retriever dogs in action. Visit more than 15 stations to learn about nature.

Heritage Day

• April 12, Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Ozark Region, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, Route 1, Winona, MO 65588
• No registration
• All ages

Learn about life in the Missouri Ozarks during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Attend demonstrations and workshops, including soap making, rug making, spinning, weaving, and more. Enjoy live music and a fish fry from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., or while supplies last.

Naturescaping and Rain Garden Event

• April 19, Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon
• Southwest Region, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Suite B, Joplin, MO 64804
• Registration required, call 417-629-3423
• Ages 14 and older

Learn about including native plantings in your landscape, how to install a rain garden, what plants to select, and how they benefit wildlife. Handouts and native plants will be available.

Paddlefish Snagging Clinic

• April 19, Saturday, 8–10 a.m. or 10 a.m. –noon
• Kansas City Region, Warsaw Community Building, 181 West Harrison, Warsaw, MO 65355
• Registration required, call 660-530-5500
• All ages

This program will cover fish biology, tackle, fishing techniques, and cleaning. Lessons will be followed by a mentored snagging excursion on the Lake of the Ozarks. Two sessions available. Lunch will be provided.

WildHeart in Concert

• April 25, Friday, 7–8 p.m.
• Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Dr., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
• No registration required
• All ages

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the original music and groovy actions of WildHeart. Held inside if there is inclement weather.

Conservation Celebration

• April 26, Saturday, 10 a.m. –noon
• Northeast Region, Conservation Department Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore, Kirksville, MO 63501
• Registration required by April 25, call Amanda Moore at 660-785-2420
• All ages

Activities, demonstrations, and displays to help your family discover nature. Learn about recycling while making paper or play a game to explore the relationship between trees, water, and soil. Create tree cookie necklaces, watch forester demonstrations, and more!

Discover Nature— Women: Dabblers and Divers

• April 29, Tuesday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, 6700 W Route K, Columbia, MO 65203
• No registration
• Women ages 18 and older

Meet at Runge Conservation Nature Center for a short presentation and then carpool to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area to identify waterfowl. Bring lunch or money to eat at a local cafe, plus binoculars. Spotting scopes and some binoculars provided. Please dress for the weather. 

Discover Nature Photo Contest

Show the world your idea of discovering nature in Missouri. Using your Google+, Instagram, or Twitter account, tag your Missouri nature photos with “#MDCdiscovernature.” Your photos will appear on our website at mdc.mo.gov/node/26255, where you can also read the contest rules. Every month, Department staff will select and post a winning photo. We’ll publish all of the monthly winners in the January 2015 issue of the Conservationist.