Events

Join us for an early morning 5-mile hike at the Marais Temps Clair (MTC) Conservation Area. Birds are most active in the early morning hours. This a great time of the year for a hike to see what lives in the marsh habitat of MTC. Please dress for the weather and bring water, a lunch, and binoculars for bird viewing.

There is more than one way to connect with nature. In the June classes, we delve into the shadows.

All are welcome, no experience required!

Materials for the class are provided.

Join us at Busch Conservation Area for Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region that MDC has to offer! At Busch CA, we will start off our morning with some kayaking on the lake and BB Gun target practice with our Busch Shooting Range staff, following by lunch at the picnic pavilion. To end our day, we will cool off in the classroom to meet some of our resident cold-blooded critters and learn about the reptiles and amphibians of Missouri.

Please bring your own water bottle and lunch. Refrigeration is available if needed. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water-resistant shoes for kayaking are recommended.

Please register each participant individually. Meet at the classroom in the main building at Busch CA.

This program is part of our ongoing Camp Hellbender Series! We encourage you to participate in as many Camp days as you’d like. Registration is required for each individual camp. Campers will receive a special button to commemorate each activity they participate in throughout the summer, and all Campers will be invited back for our Closing Campfire at the end of the Summer! Please only register for one day per site.

Camp Hellbender Summer Camp Schedule:

Sunday, June 2nd- August A Busch CA

Friday, June 14th- Rockwoods Reservation

Friday, June 21st- Powder Valley Nature Center

Saturday, June 22nd- Rockwoods Reservation

Friday, June 28th- August A Busch CA

Friday, July 12th- Columbia Bottom CA

Friday, July 19th- Tower Grove Park

Saturday, July 20th- Tower Grove Park

Saturday, July 27th- Columbia Bottom CA

Friday, August 2nd- Closing Campfire at Busch CA

Like most beginner fly anglers, do you struggle with the art of fly casting? Have you learned the skill in the past but have grown a little rusty? Join us at the Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center to learn, or relearn, the basics of fly casting. In this class we will focus on the mechanics and techniques of fly casting. We will also cover rod and line selection as it relates to casting and then practice, practice, practice! You will need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to bring it or we will provide equipment for you to use.

This is an introductory course on how to shoot 5-stand. You will learn safety, stance, etiquette, and technique. We will proceed to live fire on the 5-stand course. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to properly chase catfish in your local body of water? We have the class for you! This is a single class that is made to teach you everything you will need to know. The class will begin as any other, only catch is, you will already be fishing! Fishing rods will be set up in wait as we teach and talk about catfish. We will display the different types of catfish, the different types of rods, reels, and gear used to catch catfish, and also teach you what kind of baits to use and where!

Have you always wanted to get into the art of fly tying but do not know where to start? Join us for our 4-part fly tying series that will introduce you into the world of fly tying. You will learn about the basic tools, materials, and skills needed to get you rolling on tying your own flies. The materials used in this class will be provided however, if you would like to bring your own equipment, that is acceptable as well. Each class will build on the previous classes’ skills so attendance of all 4 classes is required. Each class will start at 5:00pm and will run for approximately 2 hours. The class will be held at the Education Center at the Jay Henges Shooting Range. The other dates are June 13th, 20th and 27th.

*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.

Reservations began Friday, May 26

Join Missouri Department of Conservation as we present an afternoon of nature and art! Our urban habitats feature many great natural inspirations for artists on all levels. Learn about fireflies in St. Louis, then create a piece of inspiration to take home. Grab a friend or two, your older child/ren, or make it a date. No experience needed and we’ll provide all the materials necessary. We will be learning about owls and then creating a painting of one. Please register each person.

No reservations needed. Drop by any time during the program time.

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plant and animals found in the State of Missouri. We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. No reservations are needed, so drop by any time during the time noted.