Events

Spring is in full swing, and our plants and animals are busy! From blooming flowers to growing baby animals there are many sights, sounds, smells, and textures to enjoy this season. Join us for several sensory-friendly, spring-themed activities and stations. This program is designed to be inclusive to children of all ages and abilities.

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.

Ants go marching one by one, but what are they doing? Find out what keeps these tiny but mighty insects busy as we learn about their lives through imaginary play and outdoor exploration. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Bring your little ones for a stroll to experience the sights and smells of nature on our trails. Please bring a sturdy stroller for our rugged trails, a baby carrier, or a toddler who likes to walk! Ages 0 to 2.

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.

What’s scaly? Some people think are scary? Can quickly scurry? Snakes! Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see live snakes during this webinar.

Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2:

Lesson 1: “Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely operate a spin cast fishing rod. Participants will also learn the parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Lesson 2: “How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website.

Please contact the Community Education Assistant, Lance Lewis with questions.

Lance.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

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.

Do you love biking… and birding? Then this program is for you. Join us as we go for a leisurely ride to look for birds on Mokane Road in Callaway County, just north of Jefferson City. Mokane Road is one of the top birding hotspots in Central Missouri. This program is for birders of all experience levels. We will meet at Carl R Noren Access before carpooling to our starting point. Binoculars, bikes, and helmets will be provided for all that need them. Make sure to bring a water bottle. Participants under the age of 18 attending the program without an adult (18+) will need a signed permission form to take part in the program. Registration required. Ages 15+

Calling all grandparents! Bring your grandkids and explore the forest at the nature center with the eyes of a naturalist. During this program we will take time to smell the flowers, explore the microscopic world in the undergrowth, and test our senses as we take in the beauty of a Missouri forest. Activities will be at a beginner’s level and all instruction and supplies will be provided. For this program, participants will meet at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants are asked to dress for the weather, bring athletic or hiking type shoes and bring a water bottle. Participants should be ready to traverse trails that are not ADA accessible with inclines of more than 15%. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our “Grand” Adventure series. You are welcome to sign up for a single day or multiple days of fun. All participants should register to ensure we have an accurate count of participants.