Newton

Join us at Bicentennial Conservation Area for a program on Missouri's bats with MDC’s bat team. The team will set up mist nets, very thin nets designed to gently trap local bats as they fly overhead in search of insects. MDC’s bat team will remove the bats from the net to check on their overall health and then weigh and sex them. This is a great opportunity for you to see some of our flying mammals up close and ask questions of the professionals. Meet us at the Mort Walker trailhead. Bring your own camp chair or blanket and wear comfortable clothes for being outdoors.

April showers bring May flowers! Join us for Little Acorns this month to learn all about the beautiful blooms we're seeing when we go outside! Plus, make a fun flower craft to take home with you!

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Shoal Creek Conservation Center for Birds and Brews! This partnership program gives anyone (14 years old and older) an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee and explore the world of spring bird migration through a short walk by Shoal Creek. The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on some uneven trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required.

Drop by any time at this free event to purchase native plants for your landscaping needs. Vendors will offer hardy plants native to Missouri and will provide information about the benefits of planting native species. Or pre-order the native plants for your landscaping needs and they will be available for you to pick up.

Missouri Wildflower Nursery, Jeff City, MO; mowildflowers.net •Phone: (573) 496-3492

Ozark Soul Native Plants, Thornfield, MO; ozarksoul.com •Phone: (816) 809-4062

This program is designed to help the first-time kayaker understand the basics of one of the most popular watersports in Missouri. We will talk about the types of basic equipment needed to float Missouri’s rivers, lakes, and streams safely. space is limited so registration is required and please leave a valid email for any follow up information for this program. Dress for the weather and to get wet!