Events

Carnivore, Herbivore, or Omnivore? Let’s learn all about what, how, and why Missouri mammals are eating! Together we’ll investigate a few awesome animals, looking at their teeth, their habitat and their scat to determine what they might be eating. Afterwards, each participant will be able to make and accessorize their very own slime to take home inspired by one of the animals they learned about.

All materials will be provided, including disposable gloves for slime making. It is recommended to bring an old t-shirt or smock for slime making.

Please register each individual who will be making slime. Parents who will not be making their own slime do not need to register. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Would you like to learn how to cook outdoors using a dutch oven? This is the program for you! Samples will be provided but not enough for a meal.

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.

Calling all photographers! Whether you’re a professional or just like snapping photos on your phone, the Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to head on out to one of our largest Conservation Areas in the state this summer. With nearly 7,000 acres of land and a wide variety of habitats, Busch Conservation Area is host to hundreds of species of wildlife. From Cormorants on the lake, Turkeys in the fields, and Beavers in creek, the possibilities of spotting some of our incredible Missouri wildlife are endless!

Starting May 1st, photos submitted via email to Sabrina.Hansen@mdc.mo.gov will be printed and displayed in the entrance of the St. Louis Regional Office within Busch CA for visitors to view and vote for their favorite photo of the week! You can also post your submitted photos on Facebook or Instagram using #BuschWildlifeoftheWeek. Fan favorite photos will be hung in the hallway of the Regional Office for all to enjoy throughout the summer season. The last day to submit summer photos will be August 31st.

Photos submitted MUST be taken at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area, or our next-door neighbor Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Description of the location on either Conservation Area must be included in your email submission. Photo must include native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants.

While we encourage participants to spot and photograph our flora and fauna, we ask that you remain at a healthy distance from any wildlife and respect all living things on our areas while also following all area regulations.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos: Try going during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light. Don’t forget to fill the frame with your subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging that subjects seen from a distance. Consider pulling out a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in our native plants, and a host of tiny and cool insects and pollinators. And finally, be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

You can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Are you a trap shooter looking to spice up your game in a new and exciting way? Join us for our glow clays program where we put a new spin on this classic game. Think “Cosmic Bowling”, for trap . We have introduced UV light to the trap field at night. This causes the factory paint on the clay pigeons to fluoresce or “Glow” in the dark as they are thrown from the trap house, making a unique glowing target.

Minimum age 16 and you must be familiar with and experienced in classic trap and safe firearms handling. Additional Range safety officers will be available if assistance is needed.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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.

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 May 9th, 16th and 22nd.

Share the experience of spring bird migration with us! Kennedy Forest in Forest Park attracts a high concentration of beautiful birds, and it's a "collector" for these birds escaping the concrete of the city. They will be looking for food, hopping around in the trees, and singing their little hearts out. How do they have enough energy and spunk to be singing after flying hundreds, if not thousands of miles?

If migration allows, we will be in for a spectacular show of colors, patterns, energy, and endurance! We will be moving very slowly through the forest along 0.5 miles of blacktop trail and boardwalks, looking for and learning about warblers, buntings, orioles, grosbeaks, flycatchers, and more!

We encourage all to attend. No prior bird knowledge required. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, bird field guide, and binoculars if you have them. There will be a limited number of binoculars to borrow.

**We will meet at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. We'll meet near the corner of Wells Drive and the road leading to the Forest Park Picnic Pavilion #11. Park on Wells Drive.**

Please register each participant individually.

Come join us to learn fishing basics.

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 cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.

All children under 15 years-of-age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

*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.