Events

From the magnificent monarch to the superb swallowtails, butterflies are among the most recognizable and beautiful insects. Discover what makes a butterfly, a butterfly, what species may be observed in Missouri, and some simple steps to attract these wonderful creatures to your backyard. Be sure to include your email address with your registration. Registered participants will receive the program link both the day before and day of the program via email. Registration required. All ages

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+

Are you alive? Thank a bug!

As predators, prey, food sources (yes—even for people), pollinators of our food crops, drivers of nearly all food chains, scavengers, and decomposers—bugs rule the world!

Come to our Bug Blitz and explore and celebrate the world of interesting insects. This is a come-and-go event so stop by any time from 4 to 10:30 pm. All events will be outdoors, weather permitting.

Daytime activities include guided habitat explorations to catch bugs, learning stations on how to identify insects (are all bugs insects?), and insect challenges for prizes and a drawing. At night, we’ll set up our blacklight, set out moth bait, and observe fireflies and other nighttime insects.

We'll also have crafts, popcorn, and lemonade! It's a Bug Blitz Blowout so fly in and join us!

No registration required. All ages

Spend the day with Runge naturalists as we paddle and explore the Missouri River from the Carl R Noren Access to Moreau River Access (up the Moreau River), a distance of approximately 7 miles. Runge will provide round trip transportation from the nature center, kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices. Pack a water bottle, lunch, snacks, and a pair of closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Participants must complete a permission form (available at the nature center, at the event, and will be emailed to registered participants a couple of days before the program) before taking part in the program. Registration required. Ages 13-17

Join us for some unstructured free play at Runge. Build a shelter, study creepy crawlies, climb trees, and get dirty. Free play in nature allows children to test their physical limits, engage their senses, practice emotional regulation, and is an important part of healthy psychological and physical development. This program is ideal for children whose younger sibling is attending the Little Acorns program offered at the same time. No registration required. Ages 7-12

Someone has been visiting Runge at night! Help solve the mystery of our secret visitor by using clues they left behind. Find the animal culprit and earn your Nature Detective badge! Registration required. Ages 3-6

Someone has been visiting Runge at night! Help solve the mystery of our secret visitor by using clues they left behind. Find the animal culprit and earn your Nature Detective badge! Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 range AND at least one child in the 3-6 range.

Learn the basics of fly fishing! Discover how fly fishing differs from conventional fishing, equipment needed, and how to cast. We will then move to the lake to try and catch a fish or two. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All fishing equipment will be provided. Participants 16 – 64 years old will need a valid State of Missouri Fishing License. This program will take place at Jaycee (County Lake) Park in Jefferson City. Registration required. Ages 12+

Discover how to read a topographic map and how to use a compass during this interactive program. You can bring your own compass or use one of ours. Dress for the weather as there will be an outdoor component after an indoor introduction to the map and compass. Registration required. Ages 6+

Nature's Needlers, a program combining nature with quilting, is back! This monthly series features a nature presentation along with a customized quilt block pattern to take home and complete at your own pace. The 2024 theme is "Missouri's Conservation Success Stories."

The Niangua Darter is a species of freshwater fish endemic to the Osage River Basin of central Missouri. Come and learn how MDC continues to manage and grow the population of this unique species. This will be the 6th quilt block in the series. Registration required. Ages 18+