Discover Nature

7 Ideas for Family Fun

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

Nature Craft Night

Dec. 2 • Wednesday • 6–8 p.m Northeast Region, Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore, Kirksville, MO 63501 Registration required, call 660-785-2420 Families

All materials and supplies will be provided to help create a special gift for family or feathered friend. Pinecones, sweet gum balls, or milkweed pods will be used to create a snowman, tree, owl, or a deer.

Squirrel Hunting

December 5 • Saturday • 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Ozark Region, Ozark Regional Office, 551 Joe Jones Blvd., West Plains, MO 65775 Registration required, call 417-255-9561 Ages 11–15

Join us as we chase bushytails through the scenic Caney Mountain Conservation Area.

Conservation Teen Club — Shooting 22s

Dec. 5 • Saturday • 9 a.m.–noon Southwest Region, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 Registration required, call 417-888-4237 Ages 12–17

Learn how to shoot 22-caliber rifles at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range at the Bois D’Arc Conservation Area. After classroom discussion, it’s out to the range to practice and test your skills.

37th Annual Eagle Days

Dec. 5 • Saturday • 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 6 • Sunday • 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Northwest Region, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, 25542 US-159, Forest City, MO 64451 No registration required, call 660-442-3187 for more information All ages, families

Join us for the 37th Annual Eagle Days! The event will include driving tours of the refuge and Big Lake State Park, live eagle shows from Dickerson Park Zoo, exhibits, kids activities, and more.

Gigging

December 12 • Saturday • 4–10 p.m Ozark Region, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, RT 1 Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 Registration required, call 573-325-1381 Ages 8–16

Trade your rod and reel in for a gigging pole for a more challenging way to fish. We’ll meet at Twin Pines and then head to the river for a gigging experience and fish fry.

Nature Center at Night: Candlelit Wood Walk

Dec. 17 • Thursday • 5-8 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 All ages, families

Enjoy the serenity of a winter night as you stroll along our trail. We’ll light the path and provide hot beverages for your enjoyment. After your walk, stop inside the nature center to warm up and view our exhibits. Our trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Youth and adult groups welcome.

Holiday Happenings

Dec. 29, 30, 31 • Tuesday–Thursday • 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Hwy 179, Jefferson City, MO 65109 No registration required, call 573-522-5544 for more information All ages, families

Visiting with family and friends is an important part of the holidays. Many folks have made it a tradition to visit Runge Nature Center over the holiday to enjoy a variety of programs and activities. We hope you are one of them. If not, start your tradition this year.