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MDC's Springfield Nature Center has a number of hiking events in June
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – June is great month to get outside and enjoy local hiking trails. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center has hiking programs throughout the month that will provide information on how and where to go. Some nature center programs require registration in advance so it’s important for nature center guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the center at www.mdc.mo.gov/southwestevents or call 417-888-4237.
The month – and the nature center’s recognition of area hiking opportunities – kick off with National Trails Day – Trail Trivia and Hike event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. No registration is required for this all-ages event in which people can stop by the Nature Center’s front desk, answer nature-related questions along the trails, and then return to the front desk to check their answers.
On Saturday, June 8, see how many “pocket monsters” you can collect at the Discover Nature: GO! Hike all-ages program. People can register for this “Pokemon GO” inspired program, which is from 10 a.m.-noon, at
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167374.
On June 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, people ages 10 and older take a trek across Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area at the Discover Nature: Family Explorers event. People can register for this event at
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167375
Hiking enthusiasts ages 18 and older can take a six-mile hike at Bennett Spring State Park from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 22 at the Take a Hike program. Participants will meet at the nature center and carpool. People can register for this event at
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167386.
Other June programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center include:
- Little Acorns: Crawdad Craze; June 15, 11:15 a.m.-noon, ages 3-6, no registration required
- Little Acorns: Nature’s Nightlights, June 27, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-noon, ages 3-6, no registration required
- Firefly Frolic, June 27, 8-9 p.m.; all ages; no registration required
Springfield Conservation Nature Center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The first step to registering for a program is creating a profile. Once that is accomplished, it is easier to sign up for future programs.
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting the words “MDC Springfield” to 468311.Sign-up for e-mail updates is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/Events by selecting “Sign Up” under “Stay in touch with MDC.” Updates specific to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center are available under the category “Events and Facility Reminders.”
Find information about monthly programs at www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People can call for more information about the facility or any of the programs listed above at 417-888-4237.