Events

As the threat of frost disappears, let’s get our gardens ready for another growing season! Join Extension Master Gardeners at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center for this informational and hands on learning day focused on identifying early spring blooms, removing common weeds and pollinator friendly practices. To register and for all questions, email mggkc.market.pub@gmail.com

Enrich your life by nature immersion to reduce stress, improve sleep and many more possible health benefits. Migrant nesting birds are here for the bugs! Learn to ID them by their beautiful songs, feathers and even baby birds as these species make Missouri their summer home. Then, practice hands-on basics of how to keep the food chain primed by removing garlic mustard from the landscape.

*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.

Come join us to learn fishing basics.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.

All children under 15 years-of-age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Learn the basics of fishing with MDC at Hazle Creek. Meet at the boat ramp. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. Participants 15 or older must have a valid fishing permit with them.

This hike is a follow-up to Hike 101 but all are welcome. We will determine a starting point by looking at a topographic map of Rockwoods Reservation. Learn more about hiking basics as we hike the trail we have chosen.

Meet at the Pavilion. Dress for the weather, closed toe shoes are required for hiking.

From fluttering wings to tiny paws, we'll discover how pollinators help flowers bloom and fruit grow!

Join MDC volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you create hand painted cards. We encourage you to bring photos of your favorite flowers.

All supplies will be provided.

Have you ever wondered where our big bronze box turtle in front of Runge came from? It came from the creative brain and skilled hands of artist Tom Schulte of Jefferson City.

Tom will be at Runge to talk about his amazing artwork—not only our beautiful bronze turtle

but also his newest art project—using oil paint and aged copper to create intriguing and beautiful landscapes.

Come see a collection of Tom’s unique copper pieces inspired by nature. You may even recognize scenes at Runge in some of the art pieces.

Stop by the Runge lobby to meet Tom and see his amazing art! No registration required. All ages

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.