Discover Nature

4 Ideas for Family Fun

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

Beginning Turkey Hunting

April 1, Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. Southwest Region, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO 64804 Registration required, call 417-629-3423 for information All ages, families. Children 16 and younger must have a parent or guardian present.

Spring turkey hunting offers some of the most challenging, exciting, and rewarding hunts in

Missouri. Join us to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, and gain confidence so you can harvest a spring gobbler.

Nature Center at Night: Be Bear Aware

April 9, Thursday, 5–8 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration, call 573-290-5218 for information All ages, families

Black bear numbers are up in Missouri and they become very active in the spring, especially at campsites and near trash containers. How do we keep bears from becoming a nuisance? Visit the displays in the lobby to discover more about bears and how to keep safe while enjoying the outdoors. Youth and adult groups welcome.

Earth Day at the Hatchery

April 18 - Saturday - 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Southwest Region, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO 65616 No registration, call 417-334-4865 ext. 0 for information All ages

Celebrate Earth Day with eco-games, recycling, nature art, and many other hands-on displays at this 11th annual event. Since 2015 is the “International Year of Soils,” you will also have the opportunity to learn about animals that live underground, how soils shape habitats, and soil/water conservation. The first 500 visitors will receive a free tree seedling.

Flights of Fancy

April 18 - Saturday - 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration, call 573-290-5218 for information All ages, families, youth and adult groups

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No wait … it is a bird! Come learn about the birds of Missouri and their amazing abilities. Learn about long distance travelers, how to feed them, and how to identify them. There will be crafts, games, and live bird presentations at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Hikes are every 30 minutes.