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.

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).

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.

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.

Take your venison from the freezer to the dinner table!

Join us for a hands-on wild game cooking experience where you’ll learn practical techniques, prepare venison recipes and taste the results. Whether you’re new to cooking wild game or looking for some fresh ideas, you’ll pick up skills you can use long after the class is over.

Cook it. Taste it. Learn it. Take recipes home.

Come hungry. Leave ready to put your next deer to work in the kitchen.

All attendees must be registered for the program. Participants 13-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee.

Start your day off with movement and join us at Tower Grove Park for a walk before work! We’ll meet at the Roman Pavilion, and go on a short, 45-minute walk through the park, learning a little about the flora and fauna along the way. We’ll end promptly at 7:30am, so you can get to work on time!

Please register each participant individually

Walk Before Work Club Fall Dates (please sign up for each date you’d like to attend):

September 23rd

October 14th

October 28th

November 5th

November 18th

You don't have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. We'll teach and practice the basics. No experience is needed, and archery equipment will be provided. Arrive ready to learn and have fun!

Ages 8 and up. Registration required. For accommodation requests go to mdc.mo.gov/accessibility/ada-accommodation-request.

Birding is a fun way to get outside and grow familiar with the wildlife around you. This program will introduce you to the equipment of birding, choosing locations, and the field marking used to differentiate birds. If you have ever been curious about birding or want a refresher on the basics then this virtual program is for you.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

You don't have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. We'll teach and practice the basics. No experience is needed, and archery equipment will be provided. Arrive ready to learn and have fun!

Ages 8 and up. Registration required. For accommodation requests go to mdc.mo.gov/accessibility/ada-accommodation-request.