Events

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on Wednesday, May 9 & 22 this month.

MEET AT LITTLE COMPTON LAKE CONSERVATION AREA for an evening of outdoor fun with an overnight camping option. Enjoy archery, fishing, (dinner break), a slide show on dark skies and a tour of the stars with telescopes from the Astronomical Society of Kansas City.

*This is a (Class 3) dark sky area. For comparison, the Blue Springs area is Class 5-6, two-three classes brighter. Little Compton Lake CA is about a 2-hour drive northeast of Blue Springs, MO. *Archery/fishing equipment will be provided by MDC for this program. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, WATER AND CAMPING GEAR IF YOU CHOOSE TO CAMP FOR THE NIGHT. MO fishing rules apply: 65 and older and under 16 don’t need a license. There is a privy and large gravel parking lot with larger flat mowed area around it (NO ELECTRICITY). It is an MDC area, so no fees to camp. Area regulations say dogs must be leashed.

Archery and fishing programs offered from 5:00PM - 6:30PM. Then, we break for dinner.

People may chose to fish again after they eat.

Dark Skies/Astronomy program from 8:30-10:30PM.

People may choose to camp or drive home after that.

Experience the sunset at Burr Oak Woods as you never have! Join yoga instructor, Lisa LaCombe with Yoga Journeys, to discover the healing power of yoga while exploring our own unique connection to the natural world. We will begin our evening with a Yoga Flow practice, and then venture into the forest for some meditation and journaling. We will conclude the evening at sunset with some gentle restorative yoga, balancing mind, body and spirit. Meet at the Burr Oak Woods Robert Aylward Education Pond.

Register at yogajourneys1200@gmail.com

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.

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!

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon (adults) Spring is stirring in the Midwest. Take a virtual tour of the native gardens at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by Cydney Ross, Outdoor Program Manager with Deep Roots KC, this program features a live look at native plants of interest plus landscaping tips and tricks. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7 -15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.

Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided.

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

Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. For assistance with registration please email the program instructor.

Lesson 3 & 4 are part of the Discover Nature-Fishing Lesson series. Lesson 3 & 4 are appropriate for adults and families with children ages 7 and older.

It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Experience how native gardens change and learn seasonal maintenance required for success. Feel empowered, enjoy camaraderie and learn skills alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! All experience levels are welcome. The Deep Roots Demonstration Garden features Midwest native plants suitable for the home garden. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.