MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces November 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 November. Some 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 mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. 

Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Nov. 1 for all programs.

November programs at the nature center will include:

• Trout Fishing at McKay Park
  Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. - noon – all ages
  During the winter, the water in our local lakes cool down and make perfect conditions for trout. Join MDC staff for some local trout fishing at McKay Park in Jefferson City. Dress for the weather and meet at the parking lot near the play area. Participants ages 16 and older must possess a fishing permit.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170233. 
• Photographer Tim Ernst Presents: A Rare Quality of Light and Arkansas Splendor
  Saturday, Nov. 9, noon - 1:30 p.m. – all ages
  Enjoy two special audio-visual slideshows featuring the work of Arkansas wilderness photographer Tim Ernst, followed by a question and answer session. The first slideshow will begin at noon, with the second starting at 12:30 p.m.
  No registration required.
  More information at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/168012. 
• Deer Processing
  Saturday, Nov. 9, 1 - 4 p.m. – ages 6+ (children accompanied by a registered adult)
  Join Runge naturalists to learn how to skin and process the deer you harvest this year. Presentation will cover techniques, safety tips, and answer any questions you have about do-it-yourself processing.
  Registration required at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170273. 
• Discover Nature: Tomahawk Throwing
  Thursday, Nov. 14, 4 - 5:30 p.m. – ages 7+
  Discover the fascinating history of the “hawk.” Join Runge staff to learn firsthand how these tools have been used over the ages and practice some tomahawk throwing in our outdoor range. The outdoor range is not ADA accessible.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170237. 
• Shopping Alternatives: Gifts from Nature
  Friday, Nov. 29 & Saturday Nov. 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. – all ages
  Visit Runge Nature Center for a great alternative to the Black Friday bustle. Nature has so many naturally beautiful gifts that we can use to create unique crafts. Unwind while making holiday crafts with family. There will be many craft stations to choose from. Visitors will also have an opportunity to observe staff feeding the animals at the nature center at 1 p.m.
  No registration required.
  More information at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170236. 

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. 

As a method to control the deer population at the nature center, and reduce hazards on nearby roads, a managed archery hunt will take place on the grounds, and trails at the nature center will be closed Nov. 8 - 10. The nature center building will remain open during normal hours.

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.