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.

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. 

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.

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).

Catfishing seems easy to most and it certainly can be, but to catch the true river monsters of Missouri, one will have to get some big gear, big hooks, and big ambitions! Chasing giant cats in Missouri is not as easy as throwing out a bait and waiting. You have to know where to look, when to go, and be willing to put in a little extra work to make it all happen. In this virtual, we will be covering everything from basic gear to situational fishing techniques!

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. Discover the beauty of Missouri’s native stream life—one stitch at a time. In this hands-on program, participants will learn simple yet elegant embroidery techniques while exploring the rich biodiversity found in our local waterways. Over the course of the program, you'll create 15 unique quilt blocks, each one celebrating a different native species that calls Missouri’s streams home.

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 15 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2 Description:

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. This includes how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

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.

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 Pak Hatchery

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. Discover the beauty of Missouri’s native stream life—one stitch at a time. In this hands-on program, participants will learn simple yet elegant embroidery techniques while exploring the rich biodiversity found in our local waterways. Over the course of the program, you'll create 15 unique quilt blocks, each one celebrating a different native species that calls Missouri’s streams home.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

Muckets and Mussels are the hidden heroes of Missouri’s waterways. Join us virtually to learn more about these living filters.

Creature Feature is a monthly virtual program that aims to educate Missourians about the natural world one species at a time. Register to receive a Webex meeting link to view the program. The meeting link will be sent out a few days before the program as well as the day of the program.