Events

Camping is a fun way to unplug and spend time together as a family. From car camping at your local campground to a remote backcountry experience, there is something for everyone. Join our seasoned staff to learn about what equipment and skills you need to start camping today.

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get a jump on summer with an urban hike through historic Parkville, MO. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this moderately paced and hilly hike will utilize sidewalks and a few short road segments to explore nature in the older neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native & invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The hike will start and end at English Landing Park. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

NEW! We have expanded our ever-popular outdoor skills camp to include our younger friends. Kick start their life long love of outdoor skills with activities such as air rifle, archery, and canoeing. All skills will be taught to ages 5-7. Each child may only sign up to attend one session. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. One adult per registered child required to attend.

NEW! We have expanded our ever-popular outdoor skills camp to include our younger friends. Kick start their life long love of outdoor skills with activities such as air rifle, archery, and canoeing. All skills will be taught to ages 5-7. Each child may only sign up to attend one session. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. One adult per registered child required to attend.

Composting is the process of transforming organic scraps into nutrient rich garden fertilizer and it can start in your own kitchen! This talk will discuss the science of decomposition, common household methods and provide tips for getting started as well as preventing unwanted wildlife from visiting your compost pile. Extension Master Gardeners will be available for additional information.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (ages 8+) Take a step off land and dive into the world of aquatic ecosystems. Learn how to identify macro-invertebrates and what they tell us about water quality. Discover the watershed you live in and how our actions can have an impact and get up close with aquatic wildlife. Discover Missouri's aquatic ecosystems and a world of wonder! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

This is a two day clinic, participant are required to commit to BOTH days. Please do not register if you can not attend both days of the clinic.

Join us for a "Big Muddy" Alternative Methods Catfish Clinic on the Missouri River.

We'll start the clinic off on Saturday morning with an orientation at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center where we'll learn all about building various types of set lines and how to use them to target the Missouri River's Blue, Flathead and Channel catfish.

Then in the afternoon, we'll head out on the river in Missouri Department of Conservation boats to set some trotlines, jug lines and limb lines for catfish.

We'll meet again bright and early on Sunday morning and head out on the river to collect the fish that we caught overnight.

We'll also finish the clinic off with a catfish cleaning demonstration.

This program is appropriate for adults and families with children 9 and older.

On Saturday, participants will have an opportunity to eat lunch between the orientation and our time on the river. Otherwise, please bring snacks, water and dress appropriately for the weather. Afternoon is likely to be hot, morning will be cool.

MDC will provide all equipment including PFD's (life vests) for each person. Participants are welcome to bring their own Coast Guard approved PFD if they prefer. PFD'S will be required on MDC boats at all times.

This program is dependent on safe weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted if conditions are not acceptable on the weekend of the event.

All participants MUST register separately. Do to limited space in the boats, please do not bring any participants who are not registered for this event.

Contact John Rittel for additional information or for assistance with registration.

john.rittel@mdc.mo.gov

Sporting Clays is a challenging, yet fun shotgun shooting game that can likely be best described as playing golf with a shotgun. Shooters move from station to station and shoot at clay targets presented in a dizzying array of angles. It is some of the best practice for shooting at gamebirds. Bring your shotgun and enjoy an evening sampler of what this game entails. Non-Toxic shot is required. We can provide any gear needed to participate.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.