Events

This display of historic duck and goose decoys has been put together by Greg Renner. It showcases work by both individuals and factory decoy productions throughout the State of Missouri and its surrounding region.

Calling all homeschoolers! Powder Valley is hosting a day of learning specially tailored to our homeschooling audience. In this all-day event we will be presenting our most popular educational lessons for school aged children. We will be presenting Growing up Wild, Creatures of Habitat, Predator vs. Prey and Wildlife Spotlight Reptiles in our auditorium. In addition to these programs, we will have guided Discovery Hikes on our Hickory Ridge Trail short loop. Whether you are only attending one session or all, registration for the event is required for all who will be attending.

Session Times and Descriptions:

9:45 a.m. Check-in

Check in begins at 9:45 a.m. inside the nature center lobby.

10:15 a.m. Introductions

Introductions will be held in the nature center auditorium. During this time, we will cover Homeschool Day agenda, Missouri Department of Conservation, and introduce event staff.

10:30 a.m. Growing Up Wild (Pre-K – 2nd)

All living things, big and small, have a life cycle. Discover nature as it grows through an exploration of plants and animals.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.B: Growth and Development; ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

11:30 a.m. Creatures of Habitat (3rd – 5th)

A habitat provides food, water, shelter, and space for the animals living there. Through exploration, students will compare and contrast how animals use their adaptations to survive in different environments.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A: Structure and Function; LS4.C: Adaptation

1:00 p.m. Predator vs. Prey (6th – 12th)

In nature, survival is the goal! Predators and prey both have unique tools and behaviors that help them survive. Through a study of skulls and predator-prey activities, students will experience wildlife survival.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A: Structure and Function; LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; LS4.C: Adaptation

2:15 p.m. Wildlife Spotlight Reptiles (All Ages)

Reptiles are one of the oldest groups of animals on the plant and many species can be found here in Missouri! In this program we will slither into the world of cold-blooded critters. We will explore the questions, what is a reptile? Who can be found in Missouri? Then meet critters that call Powder Valley home.

Hikes will depart from the Staging Area at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Auditorium sessions will be about 45 minutes in length. Anyone is welcome to attend sessions, but each session is designed to fit the needs of different grade levels. During each session, students will be exposed to biofacts including but not limited to animal pelts, skeletons, shells, and other natural materials. You are welcome to attend as many of these sessions as you wish.

Guided Discovery Hikes will be led by a naturalist. Each hike will be about 45 minutes in length. You are responsible for your own water, sunscreen, and bug spray. The lead Naturalist will be equipped with a first aid kit.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (November 12 & 25).

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month all year long, though you may join at any time. You will learn to use simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques to stitch quilt blocks of different species found in or around Missouri Streams. Including Raccoon, Red Eared Slider, Madtom, and Green Heron, At each class you will learn about one of the Species and it's history, habitat preferences, and its importance to Missouri. Classes will be held on either the first or second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Ozark Regional Office Building in West Plains. At 551 Joe Jones Blvd West Plains MO, 65775. The thread colors needed that month, Block templates, and information cards will be provided at the class.

Please be aware that signing up means you will attempt to come to all 12 meetings.

Come explore the forest after dark! We’ll use all our senses to observe the nocturnal animals that call the Nature Center trails home. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight or headlamp if you have one. Ages 12 to 17. Registration required.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month all year long, though you may join at any time. You will learn to use simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques to stitch quilt blocks of different species found in or around Missouri Streams. Including Raccoon, Red Eared Slider, Madtom, and Green Heron, At each class you will learn about one of the Species and it's history, habitat preferences, and its importance to Missouri. Classes will be held on either the first or second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Ozark Regional Office Building in West Plains. At 551 Joe Jones Blvd West Plains MO, 65775. The thread colors needed that month, Block templates, and information cards will be provided at the class.

Please be aware that signing up means you will attempt to come to all 12 meetings.

Fall can be a great time to explore the forest. Bring your little one to a fun scavenger hunt in the colorful fall forest of Burr Oak Woods.

Timber Reimagined: Carve Your Own Wood Bowl

Put down the phone and pick up a knife. In this hands-on woodworking workshop, you'll slow down, work with your hands, and turn a wood blank into something you can actually use.

Starting with a wood blank made from Missouri native wood species, you'll learn how to read the grain and use traditional hand tools to shape, carve, and finish your own bowl. Along the way, we'll explore the trees themselves and learn how different woods behave under a carving knife, their role in Missouri's forests, while using durable, renewable materials.

There's something satisfying about taking a simple piece of wood and turning it into something useful and something you will cherish. You'll build practical carving skills, learn more about Missouri's native trees, and leave with a handmade bowl that reflects your creativity and connection to the natural world.

No carving experience needed. Please bring along a small pocketknife or box cutter. Carving tools and materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own along. Come ready to unplug, learn something new, get a little sawdust on feet, and make something worth keeping.

Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please wear closed toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wood dust on. Cut resistant gloves and eye protection recommended.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: November 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM

• Location: MAC Technology Center, 5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO

Additional Information:

Ready to try deer hunting? This program will teach the basics including what to wear, how to scout for white-tailed deer, hunting methods, safety, and regulations.

Timber Reimagined: Carve Your Own Wood Bowl

Put down the phone and pick up a knife. In this hands-on woodworking workshop, you'll slow down, work with your hands, and turn a wood blank into something you can actually use.

Starting with a wood blank made from Missouri native wood species, you'll learn how to read the grain and use traditional hand tools to shape, carve, and finish your own bowl. Along the way, we'll explore the trees themselves and learn how different woods behave under a carving knife, their role in Missouri's forests, while using durable, renewable materials.

There's something satisfying about taking a simple piece of wood and turning it into something useful and something you will cherish. You'll build practical carving skills, learn more about Missouri's native trees, and leave with a handmade bowl that reflects your creativity and connection to the natural world.

No carving experience needed. Please bring along a small pocket knife or box cutter. Carving tools and materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own along. Come ready to unplug, learn something new, get a little sawdust on feet, and make something worth keeping.

Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please wear closed toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wood dust on. Cut resistant gloves and eye protection recommended.