JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City is open and ready to connect you with nature this summer.
To protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the nature center, total building occupancy will be limited to 50 people at any time. During busy times, some visitors may need to wait outside until other guests exit the building. Visitors should bring their own drinking water, as drinking fountains will be out of service. Guests should wear a mask covering mouth and nose, and practice physical distancing, while inside the nature center and at all in-person events.
The nature center has a full schedule of programs planned for June. Most programs require registration in advance and space is limited, so Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf.
Unless otherwise noted, registration opens June 1 for all programs.
June programs at the nature center will include:
- Microfishing — Outdoor Program
Thursday, June 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m — ages 5+
A stick, a line, a worm, a creek. These are all you need to drop a line into the world of microfishing. Join Runge staff as we hail the tiniest catch and discover the biodiversity of Missouri’s smallest fish. Dress for the weather and for getting wet. Bring a water bottle.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177014.
- Kids for Conservation: Trail Chalk Nature Tagging — Outdoor Program
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.–noon — ages 7–12
Connect with the natural world at this nature art program. Explore Runge in search of bold, brightly colored plants and animals. After identifying the plant or animal, participants will create their own inspirational chalk artwork to help others discover nature.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177154.
- Discover Nature using the iNaturalist App — Indoor/Outdoor Program
Saturday, June 12, 1–2:30 p.m. — ages 8+
Technology and nature are often thought of as opposites.
However, using select technology can be a tool to enhance our nature experience, expand our curiosity, and benefit our understanding of the natural world. iNaturalist is an app that encourages users to carefully observe nature, helps users identify plants and animals, and shares users’ observations with professional scientists. Learn how to use this app to boost your nature experience while expanding professionals’ understanding of the life that calls Runge home. During the program, participants will use the app; smart devices and cameras will NOT be provided.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177169.
- Midweek Trekkers: Rock Bridge State Park — Outdoor Program
Wednesday, June 16, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — ages 18+
Put on your hiking shoes and travel to Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County to join a guided hike on the Deer Run Trail. Trail: 4.4 miles; moderate difficulty. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177461.
- Archery: Intro to Crossbow Shooting — Outdoor Program
Tuesday, June 22, 6:30–8 p.m. — ages 12+
Archery has come a long way, from wooden longbows to the modern crossbow. Learn the basics of how to safely load and shoot a crossbow and make your best shot with this easy and fun archery method. Dress for the weather in closed-toe shoes.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177016.
- Worm Bin Basics — Indoor/Outdoor Program
Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m.–noon — ages 6+
Learn to make your own worm bin using red wigglers. Feed your garbage to worms, put the resulting compost in your garden, and finally, use the worms for fish bait.
All participants should wear masks covering mouth and nose.
Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/177150.
Visitors can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating an account, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once registrants create an account and register for events, they will receive details about those specific programs.
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. Visitors should practice physical distancing and wear masks covering mouth and nose when distancing is not feasible.
For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center, or call the nature center at (573) 526-5544.
