Events

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.

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.

This program includes rifle safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage. Equipment and ammunition will be provided; you may bring your own firearm and ammunition to the live-fire session.

Registration required (adults) When we think about floating in Missouri many of us head to the cold clear waters of the Ozarks. Did you know we have some local rivers you can get on just minutes away? Join conservation educators to learn about a local tributary to the Missouri River, the Platte River in Platte Falls CA. Learn about reading a river, paddle strokes and equipment. Participants may use their own kayak, or they will be provided along with paddles and lifejackets. Bring a snack and water, no food or drinks will be provided. Participants will be e-mailed the location and other details. If the river level is not adequate a still water location will be substituted. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (adults) When we think about floating in Missouri many of us head to the cold clear waters of the Ozarks. Did you know we have some local rivers you can get on just minutes away? Join conservation educators to learn about a local tributary to the Missouri River, the Platte River in Platte Falls CA. Learn about reading a river, paddle strokes and equipment. Participants may use their own kayak, or they will be provided along with paddles and lifejackets. Bring a snack and water, no food or drinks will be provided. Participants will be e-mailed the location and other details. If the river level is not adequate a still water location will be substituted. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. 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.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) June is the start of spectacular prairie blooms. Get your hands dirty and learn how to maintain full-sun species in your native garden. All experience levels are welcome. Enjoy a naturalist-led garden tour following the end of the session. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information.

Registration required by visiting https://mostateparks.com/learn2-aim (ages 10+) Begin your archery journey and take a step back in time. Join Missouri State Parks to learn new skills with joint instruction on the basics of archery and atlatl throwing.

Registration required (adults) Today's sophisticated phone cameras have opened up a whole new way to shoot and enjoy nature photography and there is no better time to capture wildflower images than the first week of June when all across Missouri prairies are bursting with color. Learn about tallgrass prairie plants while making great images as we explore the Discovery Center's native landscape. We will teach you three basic photography skills that will instantly make you a better nature photographer using your phone. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Registration required (adults) Join MDC's Communication Branch Chief, Heather Feeler, for this fun and lighthearted presentation. So many of us feel like we are in survival mode tackling life's challenges. Get your groove back and stay inspired with Heather's strategies to refocus your day, take back your schedule and rekindle your passion for life through gratitude. Get your gratitude mojo back in no time with helpful tips on finding inspiration, mentoring and maybe even a daily dose of laughter. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.