Events

Join us and learn how to clean and prepare most species of common Missouri fish.

We'll start the afternoon off catching a few fish. Then we'll clean the fish that we caught . We'll also prepare those fish using some favorite Methods. Participants will be able to sample what we cook

Missouri Department of Conservation with provide all fishing equipment, fish cleaning equipment and cooking equipment.

Program is appropriate for adults and families with children over the age of 8. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Fishing permits are not required to fish during this event.

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

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

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.

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of Bothwell State Historic Site (Pettis County); 3.5 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+

Brown-headed nuthatches require a healthy, stable pine-woodland habitat — something Missouri had mostly lost but has been gradually regaining. Now that our state has restored some of its pine woodlands, approximately 100 birds were reintroduced in the Mark Twain National Forest between 2020 and 2021, and survival monitoring of the brown-headed nuthatches continues to present day. If this species is deemed a successful reintroduction, it will be considered a permanent resident of Missouri as it is nonmigratory. Join us as we discuss these intriguing birds while you paint your own water-color picture of the brown-headed nuthatch.

“ . . . and fish is fish and that’s that!” So writes Leo Lionni in his classic book, Fish Is Fish. We will explore their watery world this month through crafts, activities, and a story. Registration required. Ages 3-6.

Missouri bears are always on the lookout for tasty food. Do you think you can fill a plate full of food enough to satisfy a black bear? Join us as we learn about these large mammals and all the different foods they eat!

Birds are singing! Flowers are blooming! Learn about the seasonal changes that spring brings to Rockwoods Reservation. We will take a 1-mile hike on the Rock Quarry Trail to explore the signs of spring using your 5 senses. This program is targeted to students 5-12 years of age. The hike will be on natural terrain and include uphill and downhill hiking.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

Please dress for the weather. Sunscreen, hats, closed toe shoes, and insect repellant are recommended.

Please register all participants attending individually. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2 to 6.

With spring starting around the show-me state local swamps, glades, and forest floors will start to come alive with the colors of wildflowers. During this program learn about some of the wildflowers you may see when viewing these ecosystems and where you might find them in your area. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Spring is here and we have been busy working in our flower gardens. Did you know that native plants are more beneficial than plant species that you can buy at most box stores? In this program we will look at the benefits of native plants and where to purchase them.