Springfield Nature Center announces April events

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center has a full schedule of programs planned for April. Some 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.

Plants are one of the dominant themes of nature center programming in April. One of the month’s biggest events is the Native Plant Sale and Workshop from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 6. No registration is required for this event. People can purchase native plants, get growing tips from exhibitors, and at informational seminars that will be held during the day. Other botanical offerings for April include the Primitive Skills Series: Useful Plant Hike for ages 15-adult from 1-3 p.m. on April 7 and the Babes in the Woods: Blooming Blossoms program for parents with children ages 0-2 from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on April 24. No registration is required for any of these programs.

April programs at the nature center include:

• Little Acorns: Busy Bees; April 2, from 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.- noon; ages 3-6, no registration required
• Turkey Hunting, April 4, from 6-8 p.m., ages 6-adult, register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/164988
• Story Time with Ms. Ladybug; April 10, 11-11:30 a.m.; ages 2-6; no registration required
• Take a Hike; April 13, 8:15 a.m.- 5 p.m.; hike will be Ha Ha Tonka State Park, meet at the Nature Center, bring a sack lunch; ages 18-adult. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/166514
• Ozark Whittlers and Woodcarvers, April 13, from 1-4 p.m.; all ages, no registration required
• Little Acorns: Earth Day Everyday; April 20, from 10-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-noon; ages 3-6, no registration required
• Discover Nature: Earth Day; April 20, from 1:30-4 p.m.; all ages, no registration required
• Parents as Teachers: Story Time; April 23, from 12:30-1:15 p.m. or 1:30-2:15 p.m., 2:30-3:15 p.m.; ages 0-5, no registration required
• Conservation Kids: Animal Communication: April 23, from 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m.; ages 7-12 (no younger siblings), Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/166538 
• Hiking: Women’s Birding Hike: April 27; from 8:30-10 a.m., ages 14-adult (girls 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult); Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/166540
• Conservation TEENS: Fishing at Walter Woods Conservation Area; April 27, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; participants age 16 and older must have valid fishing permit; snacks, drinks, and transportation will be provided; bring sack lunch; Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/166541

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.