Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found anywhere from our own backyard to a local conservation area, and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

CONTEST REQUIREMENTS AND INFO:

All photos submitted must be taken in or around St. Louis County and should highlight native Missouri species. Participants are asked to follow area regulations, treat nature with care, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid harming any plants or habitats while photographing. The contest is open to everyone, and entries will be divided into two categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) and Adult (ages 18 and up). Participants are limited to 1 photo entry.

FAQ:

*How do I enter?

To enter, please submit your photograph to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2026. Be sure to indicate which category (youth or adult) you are entering in the email, as well as your name and a title for your photograph.

*When does voting begin?

Beginning May 5, all eligible entries will be on public display in the nature center’s art gallery, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs in person. Voting will end May 30th at 4:00 p.m. with our winners being announced shortly after.

*How are these photos being printed?

Photographs will be printed on standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper and mounted to foam core board for display.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos:

• Photograph during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light.

• Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging than subjects seen from a distance.

• Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators.

• Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, explore new trails, and connect with nature.

Columbia Missouri Artist Christine Doerr’s art is inspired by a lifetime shaped by nature, travel, and service, from the Ozarks to the Mediterranean. Rooted in the landscapes of Gans Creek, it highlights both beauty and its environmental vulnerability. Her art will be on display in the lobby through June.

After finding painted rocks around Jefferson City, Janet Bonnot joined the JC Rocks movement in 2018. Her nature-inspired rock work is on display in the west wing hallway through June. 

Nature printmaking is the art of creating lifelike images on paper or fabric with found objects from nature. MDC Naturalist Pat Whalen exhibits nature prints from his personal work and programs he presents at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. His prints will be on display in the west wing hallway through June. 

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 (May 13 & 27).

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation to explore different career paths within MDC. Participants will hear from variety of MDC employees about their career paths and experiences. In the afternoon, students will participate in a small-group job shadow with an MDC employee. This event is aimed at current college students and early career professionals to get a better understanding of MDC and what it means to work here.

Come enjoy the beauty of spring by kayaking Lake Springfield! Join us to learn about Missouri's native wetland habitats and wildlife! Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided, but please bring water and snacks, and wear weather appropriate clothes. We will meet at the Southwood Canoe Access & Trail of Honor parking lot at 9:30 am. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.

Branch out this month and take a walk under our big trees. From root to leaf, we will explore what makes trees so terrific and why we should take care of them.

Some say they’re creepy and crawly, but bugs are worthy of a big hug! Our insect friends have important jobs to do! Crawl, fly, or hop in to have fun learning about bugs through stories and outdoor discovery.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/curious-by-nature (adults) Through observation you can determine how prolific a plant will spread and if it's compatible with other plants in your garden. From rapid spreaders to plants that prefer their own space, join Cydney Ross of Deep Roots KC as she explores the sociability of native plants. See plant pairings that will inspire your next gardening adventure!