Discover Nature

6 Ideas for Family Fun

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

Family Fishing Fair

June 6 • Saturday • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Southwest Region, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO 65616 No registration required, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0, for information Families, only ages 15 and younger will fish

Come join us for this annual free event where you will fish in a stocked pond and learn how to be a better angler through several learning stations. A special performance by the “Fishin’ Magicians” at noon will introduce visitors to the importance of water resources and amaze with their magic. Each child will receive a free goodie bag, and a rod and reel will be given away at the end of the day. A limited number of loaner fishing poles will

be available.

Family Skills Sampler

June 6 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required, call 573-290-5218 for information Ages 5 and older, families

Have you always wanted to try archery, fishing, or canoeing? Here’s your chance to sample each of these skills with the assistance of conservation staff. Opportunities are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teen Club: Canoeing

June 16 • Tuesday • 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Hwy 179, Jefferson City, MO 65109 Registration required, space is limited Call 573-526-5544 Ages 12 to 18

Join staff and volunteers from Runge Conservation Nature Center for a day of paddling, floating, and exploring one of Missouri’s nearby rivers. Transportation to and from the nature center will be provided, as will the canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices. Pack a lunch and personal items in a dry sack. Participants must fill out a permission form.

Insects — Nature’s Heroes

June 19 • Friday • 9 A.M.–noon Southwest Region, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 No registration required, call 417-888 4237 for information All ages, families

Explore the superpowers of some common insects as the nature center teams with the Springfield-Greene County Library during their summer reading program, Every Hero has a Story. Have fun enjoying indoor/outdoor activities, stories, and crafts. The mobile library will be present, so bring your library card.

Firefly Event

June 20 • Saturday • 7:30–9:30 p.m. Kansas City Region, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 No registration required Families

Blinking and dancing in the evening sky, the magic and beauty of fireflies is breathtaking. Use this evening event to learn more about these popular insects. Then hike into the darkening forest to watch the fireflies appear.

Beginning Youth .22 Rifle

June 27 • Saturday • 8–9:30 a.m. St. Louis Region, Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration begins May 27, call 636-938-9548 for information Ages 9 to 15

Youth who are first-time rifle shooters are invited to participate in this session to learn safety and the proper techniques of shooting a .22-caliber rimfire rifle.

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