MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces October 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 October. 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 Oct. 1 for all programs.

October programs at the nature center will include:

• Hunter Education Skills Session
  Thursday, Oct. 10, 4 - 8 p.m. – ages 11+
  Get prepared for fall firearms hunting by completing hunter education certification with this skills session. Participants must register online and bring proof of completion of the knowledge portion, available here: huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/169020
• Outdoor Skills Sampler at Conservation Commission Headquarters
  Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. – all ages
  Back by popular demand: Explore fishing, archery, and kayaking. Dress for the weather and enjoy a fall afternoon with Runge staff as your guides.
  No registration required.
  More information at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/160718
• Slime Molds of the Ozarks
  Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. – all ages
  Learn about the life cycles and ecological roles of slime molds with Missouri Master Naturalist and photographer Mark Bower, and view some of his fascinating photos of slime mold specimens.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167862
• Fall Float Trip
  Thursday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. – ages 12+
  Experience the beauty of fall on an Ozark stream.  The trees are changing color and the breeze is cool, so come join us for a short kayak float on the Gasconade River. Bring a water bottle, lunch, and dress for the weather.  All equipment is provided.
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/169874
• Intro to Deer Hunting
  Saturday, Oct. 26, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. – ages 6+, children accompanied by a registered adult Join Runge Nature Center naturalists to learn the basics of deer hunting, from permits and scouting to clothing and hunting methods. 
  Registration required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/169881

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. 

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.