MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces February programs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City has a full schedule of programs planned for February. Most programs require registration in advance, so MDC Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website for the nature center at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Feb. 1 for all programs.

February programs at the nature center will include:

• Eagle Adventure
  Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — all ages
  Explore everything eagle during this annual adventure. Live eagle presentations, lobby activities for all ages, and eagle viewing with high-powered scopes at nearby Marion Access.
  No registration required.
  More information at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170171.
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• Trout Fishing at McKay Park
  Friday, Feb. 7, 4–5:30 p.m. — ages 6+
  Catch and keep local trout from Jefferson City’s McKay Park Lake.
  Participants should dress for the weather, and ages 16­–64 must have a valid Missouri Fishing Permit. Each participant must have a Trout Permit to possess trout.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/171635. 
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• Black Bear Basics
  Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. — all ages
  Join MDC Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee to learn about Missouri’s growing black bear population. Topics will include bear biology, Missouri’s Black Bear Research Project, and how to Be Bear Aware.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/172230.
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• Nature Jewelry
  Saturday, Feb. 15, 1–3:30 p.m. — ages 18+
  Learn about and create beautiful works of wearable art using a variety of natural items such as deer antlers and turkey and duck feathers. All materials provided.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/172229.
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• Tomahawk Throwing
  Thursday, Feb. 27, 4–5:30 p.m. — ages 10+
  Learn the interesting and surprising history of the “hawk.” Discover how these tools have been used over the ages and practice some tomahawk throwing in the outdoor range at Runge (not ADA accessible). Youth younger than 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/171633.

Nature center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once someone creates a profile and registers for an event, they will receive details about programs they’ve registered for.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.  The nature center will be closed on Feb. 12 for Lincoln’s Birthday, though trails will remain open.

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-nature-center, or call the nature center at (573) 526-5544.