Discover Nature

5 Ideas for Family Fun

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

Nature and the Arts: An Evening with Tim Ernst and Evening Stroll

Dec. 2 • Friday • 5–6 p.m. OR 7–8 p.m. Southwest Region, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 Registration required, call 417-888-4237 Ages 12 and older

Nationally known nature photographer Tim Ernst returns to share his stunning images set to music for two programs. In addition, a book signing will be held from 6–7 p.m. and 8–9 p.m. Before or after the program, enjoy a stroll on the trails and spend time in the exhibits and gift shop. Everything will be open from 6–9 p.m. Bring a flashlight for the stroll.

Let’s Get Crafty

Dec. 10 • Saturday • 10–11:30 a.m. St. Louis Region, St. Louis Regional Offi ce, 2360 Hwy D, St. Charles, MO 63304 Registration required, call 636-441-4554 Ages 6 and older

Spend a chilly morning indoors with us, creating pinecone critters and learning how animals are surviving the frigid cold without heaters.

Buck, Buck, Moose: Big Game Cooking with Hank Shaw

Dec. 12 • Monday • 7–8:30 p.m. Kansas City Region, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required Adults

Are you a hunter or curious about how to prepare wild game? Then this is the program for you. Hank Shaw, 2013 James Beard Award winner for best food blog and author of Buck, Buck, Moose: Recipes and Techniques for Cooking Deer, Elk, Moose, Antelope, and Other Antlered Things, will present a colorful program on how to get the most out of your big game animals. From how to properly handle the animal in the fi eld to getting the best-tasting dishes out of every last morsel, Hank captures it all in his laid-back style.

Candlelit Woods Walk

Dec. 16 • Friday • 5–8 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required All ages

Enjoy the serenity of a winter night as you stroll along our trail. We’ll light the path for you and provide hot winter 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.

2016 Holiday Happenings

Dec. 27–29 • Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Dr., Jeff erson City, MO 65109 No registration required All ages

You’re invited to an open house at Runge Conservation Nature Center. Enjoy refreshments, stories by the fi re, nature walks, crafts, and much more.