MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces August programs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City has a full schedule of programs planned for August. Some programs require registration in advance, so MDC Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the nature center at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents.

Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Aug. 1 for all programs.

August programs at the nature center will include:

• Summer Snorkeling
  Friday, Aug. 2, 4 - 7:30 p.m. – all ages
  Cool off in the Maries River and explore the natural world beneath the water’s surface. Drop in anytime at Dr. Bernard Bruns River Access near Westphalia. Dress to get wet and wear shoes for walking in the water.
  No registration required.
  More information at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167594
• Half-Day Discovery Hike: Rock and Creek Exploration
  Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 a.m. - noon – ages 8+
  Wade in cool water and examine the swimming and crawling critters that call the creek home. Roll a few rocks to see what lies beneath, and generally enjoy chilling out on this adventure. Location will be determined based on best water level on date of hike.  Meet at Runge Nature Center with something to drink, shoes that can get wet, and your curiosity.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/165332
• Design with Nature in Mind: Stamping Techniques
  Saturday, Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m. – noon; or 1 – 3:30 p.m. – ages 18+
  Join us in learning more about the North American elk. Complete a two-card rotation and take home two cards with coordinating envelopes.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/163387
• Conservation Families: Kayaking at Binder Lake
  Friday, Aug. 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – ages 10+
  There’s nothing like the freedom of the water that a kayak provides. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about paddling a kayak, this program will cover all the basics and get you water-ready. Meet at Binder Lake Tackle Shop across from the playground.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167595
• Saturdays @ Runge: Stick, Prick, Sting, and Bite
  Saturday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. – all ages
  Have you ever walked through the forest and been stung by stinging nettles, bitten by a mosquito, or pricked by a thorn? Join nature center staff to discover and learn how to avoid the plants and animals that stick, prick, sting, and bite.
  No registration required.
  More information at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/157950

Nature center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once someone creates a profile and registers for an event, they will receive details about programs they’ve registered for.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-nature-center, or call the nature center at (573) 526-5544.