Discover Nature Events

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.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

In partnership with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, we bring you Wildlife Photographer Noppadol Paothong. He will focus on how to take better impact photographs that tell a story and give tips and personal decisions on how to create images that go beyond just a snapshot.

Join us for breakfast while enjoying the birds and blooms of Rockwoods Reservation! Come and take a stroll through the newly renovated native wildflower gardens around the Visitor Center while enjoying a doughnut and a cup of shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee! Naturalists will be available to share information about the flowers and how you can grow them in your yards or container gardens. Also, spring is an excellent time to see and hear the wonderful birds of Rockwoods! Learn how to identify those birds using the Merlin bird identification app. Naturalists will also be sharing tips on what you can do to protect birds and help them thrive, including that coffee that you will be enjoying! All are welcome to stop by for a few minutes or spend some time relaxing with us enjoying the sights and sounds of spring!

Meet at the Visitor Center.

All are welcome! No reservations are required.

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.

Learn some birding basics, including how to use binoculars properly, and get some identification tips. We'll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds.

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.

Want to see spring wildflowers and hike with a group? Meet at the pavilion for an introduction. Rockwoods is a little piece of the Ozarks close to home. According to MDC, “The terrain is reminiscent of the Ozark hills and many plants and animals found in hill country are also found here.”

We will hike about 2 miles. The hike includes hills and stairs. Picnic facilities are available if you want to bring your lunch.

Dress for the weather and protection from poison ivy. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring water and magnifying glass if you have one. Please register each participant individually.