Events

The Basics of the Modern Sporting Rifle (AR type) course is designed to provide beginners a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to modern sporting rifle shooting. This course includes classroom and range time. Students will learn rules for safe gun handling at home, in the field and on the range; rifle actions, parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, cleaning the rifle, and continued opportunities for developing rifle skills. Student, please bring your own modern rifle. We will supply the ammo.

Zip, zoom, zing! Fly in and discover the bats of Missouri. From small to large, few to many, these amazing animals can be seen fluttering across the night skies. Conservation Kids is designed for kids ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend as families will do activities together.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Walk-in (ages 5+) The Discovery Center is joining multiple Kansas City area conservation partners in the City Nature Challenge, an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities around the globe. Our kickoff is Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. Participants will make observations by taking photos and uploading their observations using the free mobile app iNaturalist. The objective is to create a snapshot of the biodiversity that can be found around the metro area! Naturalists will be at the Discovery Center on Friday and Saturday to assist you. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

The animals are hungry! Watch online as a Runge naturalist feeds the snakes, aquarium fish, and snapping turtles. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. Presenter will email the program link to participants both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages

We will be distributing publications about fishing and native trees, maps of local areas to enjoy outdoor recreational activities at, and magazines! We will have our Recreation Specialist and Conservation Educator available to talk about places to hunt, fish, hike, and kayak as well as answer questions you may have!

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation nature Center.

Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center would like to invite your family and friends to our annual multicultural event. We will highlight Missouri’s diversity and showcase how different cultures enjoy nature. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, demonstrations, booths, short programs, crafts for kids, and lots of fun! All ages.

Lincoln County Conservation Agent Nicholas Bommarito and K-9 Bertie are one of nine canine/handler teams within MDC. They're tasked with enforcing laws related to conservation and public safety, assisting with search and rescue operations, and of course meeting Missouri's citizens. This is your opportunity to learn more about K-9 Bertie, her amazing abilities, and how she and Agent Bommarito protect our fish, forests, and wildlife.

The dogs in the Canine Unit have official commissions through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Protection Branch.

Come to Powder Valley Nature Center on Friday, April 26 at 7 pm to meet Agent Bommarito and K-9 Bertie.

If weather permits, we will meet outdoors in the lower parking lot by Tanglevine Trail. In that case, bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the auditorium.