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.

Reptiles of Marais Temps Clair conservation Area

Aug. 1 • Saturday • 8–11 a.m. St. Louis Region, Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area, 5134 Island Road, St. Charles, MO 63301 Registration required, call 636-441-4554 All ages

Summer mornings are perfect for seeing reptiles basking in the sun in their native habitat. Several species can usually be seen during a summer hike at Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area, and we invite you to join us for a 2.5-mile hike on the levees to view exciting native wildlife of eastern St. Charles County. Learn the identifying characteristics of the native turtles and snakes while viewing them up close and through provided spotting scopes. Moderate 2.5 mile hike on level terrain.

Nature Nuts

Aug. 8 • Saturday • 10–11:30 a.m. Ozark Region, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, RT 1 Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 Registration required, call 573-325-1381 Ages 7–12, families

Come learn about Missouri’s native birds and how to build a birdhouse for your backyard. Everyone takes home a birdhouse.

Wet and Wild

Aug. 15 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Kansas City Region, Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required, 816-759-7300 All ages

Streams, lakes, wetlands, and swamps are a few of the aquatic ecosystems you can explore in Missouri. Dive into this wet and wild world by identifying water bugs, getting up close with aquatic wildlife, and more hands-on activities. If you want to discover the wild side of Missouri’s aquatic ecosystems, then this program is for you.

Little Stinkers Storytime

Aug. 20 • Thursday • 9:30–10:30 a.m. Ozark Region, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, RT 1 Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 Registration required, call 573-325-1381 Pre-K and under

Join one of our naturalists for a special storytime that’s all about Missouri’s turtles. A game, song, and craft making will follow the story.

Discover Nature — Dove Hunting Clinic

Aug. 29 • Saturday • 8:30 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. Southwest Region, Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 4895 N. Farm Road 61, Ash Grove, MO 65604 Registration required, call 417-742-4361 All ages, families

Join us to learn the most effective methods of dove hunting. We will discuss the biology

of the bird and teach you how to wingshoot using techniques from Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter. We will discuss using decoys and how to use concealment to your benefit.

Youth Dove Hunt and Clinic

Aug. 29 • Saturday • 1–5 p.m. Sept. 1 • Tuesday • 3 p.m.–Sunset Central Region, Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, 3215 County Road 1003, Williamsburg, MO 63388 Registration required by Aug. 26, limited to the first 25 participants, call 573-254-3330 Ages 8–15, accompanied by a parent or adult mentor

Join department staff for an exciting and educational dove hunting experience. Participants will learn the basics of dove hunting safety, firearms safety, and shooting skills. This program will consist of two sessions: a mandatory dove clinic from 1–5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 and a hunt Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 3 p.m.–sunset. Youth must be hunter education certified or accompanied by a hunter education certified adult.