Events

Raised on a farm in the Missouri river bottoms, Dan Brueggeman developed an early appreciation of wildlife and the out-of-doors. It wasn't until 1984 that the artist encountered his future vocation, when he met a decoy carver and was fascinated by the amount of realism obtainable in wood sculpture. Dan's first decoy, although it bears little resemblance to today's works, is still the most prized piece in his collection. In addition to the original waterfowl, Dan has expanded his focus to encompass songbirds, fish, game birds, mammals and raptors. He has been honored with numerous awards, including several "Best of Show" awards. His carvings currently grace many private and corporate art collections. The exhibition is located in the west wing at Runge and can be viewed through June 30, 2024.

From artist Terry Martin: "I was fortunate to grow up in Missouri, where there were lakes, streams, and rivers to explore. Mine is a state with a premier conservation effort! I had a bicycle and a fishing rod (a fortunate son!). As a boy, I was up at daylight each day and home when it got dark. I developed more and more of an interest in the wildlife and geography of my surroundings. I discovered artists like John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson, Maynard Reece, and fellow Missourian Charles W. Schwartz. Also of great influence were naturalists John Muir, Marlin Perkins, and Robert Bateman."

Terry Martin's art will be on exhibit in the Runge lobby until April 30. No registration required. All ages

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to Runge to another dimension! As an Agent, your mission is a scavenger hunt played on your phone to discover different things animals do in spring. Explore the exhibits in the nature center to find QR codes with info and questions about animals. Find all the QR codes in the scavenger hunt and answer all questions to win. Then come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required. All ages

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of the Karst and Grasslands Trails at Rock Bridge Memorial Park (Boone County); 4 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+

Missouri is home to some amazing amphibians! Discover what makes these animals so special. Ongoing activities and crafts available will be available for all ages. No registration required.

Basic Handgun Workshop. Participants will learn handgun parts and operation, ammunition, handgun safety, and shooting fundamentals. Participants will receive one-on-one shooting instruction. This workshop and instruction is offered free of charge. Handguns and ammunition will be provided by MDC. Participants are welcome to bring their own unloaded, cased handguns but will be required to provide their own new factory ammunition (no reloads). This workshop is open to participants 18 and over. Teenagers age 14 to 17 may attend with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop.

Raised on a farm in the Missouri river bottoms, Dan Brueggeman developed an early appreciation of wildlife and the out-of-doors. It wasn't until 1984 that the artist encountered his future vocation, when he met a decoy carver and was fascinated by the amount of realism obtainable in wood sculpture. Dan's first decoy, although it bears little resemblance to today's works, is still the most prized piece in his collection. In addition to the original waterfowl, Dan has expanded his focus to encompass songbirds, fish, game birds, mammals and raptors. He has been honored with numerous awards, including several "Best of Show" awards. His carvings currently grace many private and corporate art collections. The exhibition is located in the west wing at Runge and can be viewed through June 30, 2024.

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to Runge to another dimension! As an Agent, your mission is a scavenger hunt played on your phone to discover different things animals do in spring. Explore the exhibits in the nature center to find QR codes with info and questions about animals. Find all the QR codes in the scavenger hunt and answer all questions to win. Then come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required. All ages

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Have you ever wondered where our big bronze box turtle in front of Runge came from? It came from the creative brain and skilled hands of artist Tom Schulte of Jefferson City.

Tom will be at Runge to talk about his amazing artwork—not only our beautiful bronze turtle

but also his newest art project—using oil paint and aged copper to create intriguing and beautiful landscapes.

Come see a collection of Tom’s unique copper pieces inspired by nature. You may even recognize scenes at Runge in some of the art pieces.

Stop by the Runge lobby to meet Tom and see his amazing art! No registration required. All ages