Discover Nature

7 Ideas for Family Fun

To find more events near you, call your regional office or visit mdc.mo.gov and choose your region.

Catfishing Kansas City

June 8 • Thursday • 6–9 p.m. Kansas City Region, Parma Woods Shooting Range, 15900 NW River Road, Kansas City, MO 64153 Registration required, call 816-891-9941 by June 7 Ages 11 and older

Catfish are Missouri’s most sought-after fish. Whether you are a seasoned catfish angler or a novice, you will benefit from this course as we discuss when, where, why, and how to fish for this whiskered wonder.

Adventure Birding/Half-Day Discovery Hike: Birds and Blooms

June 10 • Saturday • 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109 Registration required, call 573-526-5544 Ages 11 and older, children must be accompanied by an adult

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the birding hotspots on the new Great Missouri Birding Trail, and it is often ablaze with wildflowers. We are going to hike and bird along the 2.5-mile rugged Dolomite Trail. Hopefully, we will find numerous wildflowers and birds, including prairie warblers and yellow-breasted chats. Bring a lunch, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Meet at Runge. Transportation provided.

Youth Pond Catfishing

June 10 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–noon Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Registration required, call 573-290-5218 beginning June 1 Ages 7–15, accompanied by an adult

Learn about the life cycle, habitat, and preferred diet of the native catfish species in Missouri. Basic tackle, equipment, and fishing techniques for catfishing will be discussed. There will be fishing at the Kids’ Fishing Pond after instruction.

Bee Bath

June 21 • Wednesday • Noon–2 p.m. St. Louis Region, August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Hwy. D, St. Charles, MO 63304 Registration required, call 636-441-4554 beginning June 5 All ages, families

You have heard of birdbaths, but have you ever heard of a bee bath? Learn about bees, why they are important, and what you can do to help them. Participants will be able to make their own bee bath to take home. We will be working with acrylic paint so bring a smock or clothes that can be ruined.

Discover Nature: You Certainly Can, Can

June 24 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Ozark Region, Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, RT 1, Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 Registration required, call 573-325-1381 by June 16 Ages 16 and older

Nature produces an abundance of foods, each in its own season. Enjoy what you pick and hunt, not just when it’s that time of year, but throughout the year by learning how to preserve that bounty. The Twin Pines staff will show you the basics.

Family Trap Shooting

June 25 • Sunday • 9–11:30 a.m. Northwest Region, Lake City Range, 28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner, MO 64016 Registration required, call 816-249-3194 by June 17 Ages 12 and older

Trapshooting is a fun sport to experience and a good way for an upland game hunter to improve their skills. This course will cover basic firearm safety, different actions on shotguns, proper shot size, proper firearm fit, and shot follow-through.

Trout Fishing for Women

June 30 • Friday • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Southwest Region, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 Registration required, call 417-888-4237 Women ages 17 and older

Meet at Roaring River Hatchery for an introduction to trout fishing. Learn how to catch, clean, and cook trout. All spincast equipment will be provided, and fishing permit and daily trout fishing tag requirements are waived for this program.