Events

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.

Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Each participant must register for this program individually.

Meet at the fishing dock. Fishing is encouraged but optional.

A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.

Permits are available for purchase online.

Lesson 3: Five Common Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.

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 June 13th, 20th and 27th.

Did you know that aside from being unsightly, single-use disposable plastic is a serious climate concern, detrimental to human and animal health, and increasingly found in our soils and air? Dana Ripper, Missouri River Bird Observatory co-director, presents an in-depth discussion of our planet’s plastic crisis and the possible solutions. From the extraction of component materials to various manufacturing processes, to its end destination in human and animal bodies, waterways, and soils, we will explore plastic and how to tackle it! We will discuss the various points in plastic production and waste management where change can be made and how you can become involved in that change. No registration required. Ages 16+

If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.

Does your neighbor always seem to fill their deer permits when you don’t? Are squirrels the only thing you see when you’re in the stand? Well, a food plot may be the answer. Learn about the basics of putting in food plots for deer and how you can still actively prepare for deer season during the summer.

Please ensure your account has a valid email address to receive the link to the program. Links are sent at least 30 minutes before the program starts.

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families 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.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6036.

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation on June 7 for our annual family fishing night. Help your young ones pull fish from our kid’s pond and get a chance to reel in some fish from Cape Girardeau County Park North Pond. No registration or permit is necessary and equipment with instruction can be obtained at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The weekend following this event, June 8 and 9, are Free Fishing Days so when you find out you love fishing you will be able to use the loaner pole program located at the Nature Center and fish even more for free. So join us and get hooked on fishing.

Walk-in (all ages) The Missouri Department of Conservation and Kansas City Police Department are partnering to offer a free movie experience at the Discovery Center. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs as a naturalist provides a short introductory program to get you connected with nature. The family friendly movie "Migration" will start at sunset with movie snacks available. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.