Events

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you will have the opportunity to complete 17 blocks. Which will allow you to create a large quilt with enough extras for pillows or wall art.

Programs will typically be held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Mingo NWR Visitor Center on Hwy 51 just north of Puxico, MO. Please enter the building on the south side entrance next to the restrooms with outside access, as opposed to the main entrance.

NEW THIS YEAR

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will still have patterns, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns on the provided quilt blocks.

Let’s toddle down the trail and see what the rain brings us! We’ll let the babies explore spring together. Bring a heavy-duty stroller, baby carrier, or toddler to enjoy this walk. Ages 0 to 2.

Calling all parents! bring your little one and a stroller to enjoy a spring day. Join us on a hike along Broken Ridge Trail (2/3 mile) as we explore all the spring wonders Powder Valley has to offer.

Please note, only parents will need to register. You do not have to register your child.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

By including a few spring flowers in your recipes, you will add essential nutrients and appealing color to your meals. Discover which edible native wildflowers you can include in your salads, pastries and even ice cubes.

All ages (should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike)

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees. We will meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center.

Mussels are often hidden and seldom seen, but they are a vital part of Missouri's aquatic ecosystems. Join Naturalist Sam Grove to learn about mussel life cycles, unique adaptations, and mussel conservation. This program will not be recorded. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link.

This program will cover what to do to get started shooting handguns. We will cover handgun fundamentals, including handgun actions, operation, safety, shooting techniques. After the classroom portion we will head to the range to practice what was just taught. All firearms and ammunition will be provided. If you would like to bring your own handgun you may bring one handgun and you must provide your own ammunition. Please leave your ammunition in your vehicle until time to shoot. This program is for individuals age 16 and up.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.