Join us for the evening to view and learn about the images selected to be part of the Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers (MONEP) Hallway Exhibit. The exhibit is called We Are MONEP. We will view a slide presentation of the images in the auditorium and then the featured artists will be available to talk further about their images as we take time to explore the printed exhibit.
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
Carve a snack-o-lantern at Powder Valley! As wildlife around us is preparing for the colder months, you can help by providing a nutritious snack to give them a boost! A snack-o-lantern is a carved pumpkin full of yummy seeds for wildlife to enjoy. Before you carve, learn about the changing of the seasons and how animals prepare for hibernation. Take your snack-o-lantern home and watch the wildlife enjoy your beautiful and nutritious fall décor!
One snack-o-lantern will be provided per family unit. Meet the naturalist in front of the nature center to begin the program.
Join a naturalist on a guided 1.2-mile hike through Powder Valley’s Broken Ridge Trail. Enjoy the falling leaves as you hike and learn about what the natural world is up to as the seasons change.
Please note: this trail is paved, but can be steep. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!
Powder Valley does Halloween! Put on your costume and bring your candy buckets down to Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for an afternoon of family-friendly fun! Take a stroll down our Tanglevine Trail and visit our Species Stations to learn all about Missouri’s most misunderstood wildlife. Decide for yourself if they’re as spooky as they seem! Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome!
Fall is the perfect time for a campfire and s’mores, but you need knowledge of how to start a fire. We will teach a few simple fire-starting techniques and let you practice creating your own campfire. Then as the evening darkens into night, we can share stories and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Think about your favorite nature story or joke you would like to share and bring a lawn chair if you have one. We will provide everything else. For your safety, please wear closed-toed shoes and remember campfires are smoky.
Through the month of October, Monarch butterflies continue their migration through Missouri on their way to their wintering area in central Mexico. In this program, we’ll cover their incredible life cycle, look for other butterfly species, and take part in the Monarch Watch citizen science project by catching and tagging monarchs to help track their migration.
We’ll also explore simple ways to support monarchs, native butterflies, and other pollinators at home and in our communities.
This isn’t your typical map-and-compass class. Instead of sitting with a basic trail map, you’ll dive into the fast-paced world of orienteering—an international sport that blends problem-solving, exploration, and outdoor adventure.
You’ll learn how to read specialized maps and clue sheets, use a compass with confidence, and navigate natural terrain to locate distinctive flags hidden throughout the course. It’s hands-on, engaging, and surprisingly fun whether you’re competitive by nature or just love a good challenge.
Crochet is a great hobby to connect with nature whether crocheting outside in nature, or crocheting a nature project! At this Nature Crocheters session, we’ll learn about fall colors here in Missouri, and crochet a fall leaf of your choice!
