Events

Welcome Summertime with a guided public tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! Join a Naturalist to learn the difference between the Rainbow and Brown Trout raised at the hatchery, then visit the raceways and discover the amazing trout-raising process! And for just a quarter, you can feed the fish, too! Tours will meet at the large trout aquarium inside the Conservation Education Center.

Tours will be held four times daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning May 26th and continuing through Friday, September 4th. (The Hatchery will be closed for state holidays on June 19th and July 4th.)

All ages are invited, and no registration is required. For questions, call us at 417-334-4865 ext. 0, or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

Look for book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a seasonal children’s book as you walk and explore. Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot.

Don’t know where to hunt? Or maybe you just don’t know where to look. Come learn about opportunities that may have been under your radar. This information table will give you the know-how to register for Missouri managed hunts. There are hunts designated for youth, people with disabilities, specific species and seasons and more. During the month of July only, you are able to sign up for hunts on areas including Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs Lake, Watkins Mill and many more!

From the smallest of hummingbirds to giant ostriches, birds are the only living animals with feathers! Discover how important they are, and all the other wonderful things that feathers do for our avian friends! This virtual presentation will cover the different types of feathers and feather anatomy. The instructor will send a link via e-mail the day before and the day of the presentation.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/curious-by-nature (adults) The Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) began in 1989 amid concerns over the effects of clearcutting forests on songbird populations. Thirty-seven years later, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has studied how common forest management practices impact flora, wildlife, soil health and other ecosystem components. Take a virtual hike through Peck Ranch with MDC forester and district supervisor, Mike Keeley. Together we'll dive into the data of best woodland management practices and what the future holds for this study.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for everyone 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.

Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery.

Catfishing is a time-honored tradition in Southeast Missouri. Cleaning, filleting, and cooking are the parts of many people leave to their grandparents, parents, or other experienced angler but here is your chance to learn for yourself is a safe environment. In this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, we will be doing just that; cleaning, filleting, and finally frying up some catfish.

Come by between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Friday July 3 for a live demonstration of cleaning and cooking catfish.

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 (July 8 & 22).

Step into the glowing world of fireflies and discover the magic behind their flickering lights. In this interactive virtual program, participants will explore the fascinating diversity of firefly species, learn how these tiny insects use the light to communicate, and uncover surprising facts about their behavior. Perfect for curious minds of all ages– no bug spray required!

This program is a repeat for anyone who is interested but missed it.

**Please note a reminder email with a link to the Webex will be sent 24 hours prior to the event. A second email will also be sent once registration closes to ensure you receive the Webex link. Please be sure to check spam folder.

*Participants to meet at Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Reserve*

Start your morning with a peaceful, naturalist-led hike at Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve from 8–9 a.m. Explore prairie and woodland habitats while learning to identify native plants, birds, and signs of wildlife. This easy-paced walk is perfect for all experience levels—just bring comfortable shoes and water.