Events

Summer hiking is hot! Skip the heat and join us on a dusk hike. We will look and listen for iconic summer creatures like frogs and owls.

Remember to pack water and good walking shoes.

Families who have never had experience shooting .22 rifles are invited to participate in an instructor led, live fire session learning safety and the proper techniques of shooting .22 rim fire rifles. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Does the sport of fly-fishing interest you but you just don’t know where to start? Join us at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Lake 2 to learn the basics of fly fishing. In this class we will cover Fly fishing safety; rod selection; line, backer, leader, and tippet; basic knots; and the basics of fly casting. You will need a valid Missouri fishing permit for this class (participants 15 years of age or younger are exempt). To purchase permits, see, mdc.mo.gov/permits. You will also need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to use it otherwise, we have rods for you to use.

The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route. Learn how to do all three by joining us at for this free orienteering program. Included will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, clothing attire for gravel trails, and water.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Come to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and put your basic archery skills to the test! We will learn about archery and archery range safety, how to use a compound bow, and test out our new skills! Following NASP requirements, all participants must be ages 9 and up.

Please note that this program will take place outside, so please dress accordingly, and bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

Come to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and put your basic archery skills to the test! We will learn about archery and archery range safety, how to use a compound bow, and test out our new skills! Following NASP requirements, all participants must be ages 9 and up.

Please note that this program will take place outside, so please dress accordingly, and bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.