Events

Spring is a great time to get out and look for birds, both migratory and the ones that nest here year-round! Although some just pass through Missouri, many nest right here in Joplin. Join us to look for birds of all kinds and the signs of their nests at Mercy Park. Conservation in the Parks is a partnership event hosted by Joplin Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group. Registration is required with the Wildcat Glades Nature Group. Best for ages 5 and up.

Drop by any time at this free event to purchase native plants for your landscaping needs. Vendors will offer hardy plants native to Missouri and will provide information about the benefits of planting native species. Or pre-order the native plants for your landscaping needs and they will be available for you to pick up. Please check with the MO Wildflower Nursery and Ozark Soul to see what is available and pre-purchase your native plants.

What’s scaly? Some people think are scary? Can quickly scurry? Snakes! Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see live snakes during this webinar.

This virtual program is part two of a multi part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part two, "Atlatl: in Missouri’s hunting history and present” we will discuss this fascinating hunting technique, where they come from, how to build one, modern usage, and more. Start time will be 12:05 PM using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the log in information 24 hours prior to the event.

Nighttime can be noisy this time of year! Join us for Little Acorns to learn all about the critters of the night and the noises they make. You will also make a craft to take home with you.

See live snakes at the Shoal Creek Center. Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person.

Join MDC staff and live snakes as they visit McDonald County Library at Pineville during their summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

It's summer and a good time to get out and relax on our rivers and streams. We will look at some of the best rivers here in Missouri for floating and the equipment you should take with you.

Join MDC staff and live snakes as they visit McDonald County Library at Southwest City during their summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

See live snakes at Schifferdecker Park. Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person. Conservation in the Parks is a partnership event hosted by Joplin Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.