Events

Are you part of a school, camp, scout, or other community group in the St. Louis Region that would like a presentation about Missouri fish, forest, and wildlife? We have Naturalist staff and volunteers that can come to you with programs, or programs are available at our sites. Summer programs are offered June through August. To request a program brochure and application, please e-mail Marissa Ginger at Marissa.Ginger@mdc.mo.gov.

An exhibit of photography by Robert Charity will be on display for the month of May at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Robert loves exploring the Missouri Ozarks region and the exhibit contains many landscape and nature images taken during these trips. On particular emphasis will be the beautiful Ozarks rivers and streams on which he is often found with his kayak and camera. He most enjoys capturing misty sunrise images which will be well represented in the exhibit. Roberts’s work has been published in Backpacker, County, Modern Times, and Digital Photo magazines.

Session 1 of 2- registration is NOT required for both sessions.

Did someone say invasive!? Uh-oh, that’s not good. Tower Grove Park has a crazy problem- a crayfish problem! Let’s use the opportunity to learn about native and invasive crayfish to Missouri and practice trapping for science, while we help staff manage the garden.

Session 1 covers native vs invasive crayfish and trap setting. Session 2 covers trap recovery and some citizen science. Both are hands-on experiences!

Session 2 of 2- registration is NOT required for both sessions.

Did someone say invasive!? Uh-oh, that’s not good. Tower Grove Park has a crazy problem- a crayfish problem! Let’s use the opportunity to learn about native and invasive crayfish to Missouri and practice trapping for science, while we help staff manage the garden.

Session 1 covers native vs invasive crayfish and trap setting. Session 2 covers trap recovery and some citizen science. Both are hands-on experiences!

This cane pole fishing lesson will include all of the basics including proper fish handling. This program meets at the Educational Fishing Lakes and Hatchery in Forest Park. We will provide instruction, poles and bait. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/ .

Beginning Archery

As these are in-person programs MDC asks all guests to observe social distancing guidelines and maintain at least 6 feet from others for the safety of participants and staff. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when indoors, or any time visitors are unable to maintain at least 6 feet from others. Local ordinances requiring face masks will be observed where applicable.

This cane pole fishing lesson will include all of the basics including proper fish handling. This program meets at the Educational Fishing Lakes and Hatchery in Forest Park. We will provide instruction, poles and bait. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/ .

Come to Jay Henges Shooting Range and put your basic archery skills to the test! We will learn about archery and archery range safety, and how to use a compound bow. Following NASP requirements, all participants must be ages 9 and up. Anyone under 9 will not be able to participate.

Please note that this program will take place outside, so please dress accordingly.

Beginning Archery

As these are in-person programs MDC asks all guests to observe social distancing guidelines and maintain at least 6 feet from others for the safety of participants and staff. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when indoors, or any time visitors are unable to maintain at least 6 feet from others. Local ordinances requiring face masks will be observed where applicable.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

*Lesson 1 is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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.

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.

Please Meet at Forest Park Hatchery in Forest Park.

Classroom Watercolor Art Session

This course will cover basic techniques of watercolor painting using photo references and window views of nature to create landscape paintings. Painting is about seeing what is in front of you and interpreting through personal decision making—deciding what to include and emphasize and what to omit or down-play. It is a practice that enhances one’s ability to experience and understand a location. This class is open to all skill levels and will use watercolor as the primary medium.

All necessary materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies if you prefer: watercolor paints, watercolor paper, watercolor paint brushes, camera (phone). Class will be indoors.

Class will be led by artist Sarah Lorentz

Join us May 31st to learn more about our Missouri Black Bears! We'll cover topics such as physical characteristics, diet, habitat, denning, reproduction, and more.

This Online class is designed for beginners wanting to get into shooting 5 Stand. It will cover safety, marksmanship fundamentals for shotgun, recommended gear for 5 Stand, and rules and etiquette. We will meet on the Shotgun Fields at the August A. Busch Shooting Range. If you have your own shotgun you are welcome to bring it and ammunition. If you do not have your own shotgun we can provide one and ammunition.

Do you know how many species of ducks say quack? We’ll learn the answer to that and more as we talk about the flora and fauna that make up the wetlands of Missouri. We’ll also discuss the types of wetlands and where you might find them around the state.

Have you ever wanted to see birds up close and personal? Do you ever wonder how scientists know so much about bird migration and bird longevity (age)?

Come and join Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Staff and the World Bird Sanctuary's Bird Banding Team every Friday in June and July as we capture birds in mist nets, identify the bird species, ages, and place a band on the birds legs.

This event will be outside, held at the entrance to the bird viewing area (off of Tanglevine Trail) at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

In the event of rain, the event will be canceled, please call the front desk at 314-301-1500 prior to coming if there is rain in the forecast.

Join us for an early morning 5-mile hike at the Marais Temps Clair (MTC) Conservation Area.    Birds are most active in the early morning hours. This a great time of the year for a hike to see what lives in the marsh habitat of MTC. Dress for the weather, and bring water, lunch, and binoculars for bird viewing.

Lesson 2:

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

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.

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.

Please meet at Lake 1 at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area

Come and learn about the poisonous and venomous plant and animals found in the State of Missouri.  We will discuss snakes, spiders, bees, wasps, hornets, scorpions, mushrooms, and everybody’s favorite, poison ivy. There will even be live examples of venomous animals found in our state.  No reservations are needed, so drop by any time during the time noted

Wheelchair Accessible

Join a catch and release fishing program for children and adults who have disabilities. Spend a late summer morning in beautiful Forest Park learning to cast, catch, and remove fish from the hook. All fishing poles and bait will be provided, as well as some adaptive equipment. A group permit has been obtained for this program, so fishing licenses will not be required for this event.

Wheelchair Accessible

Join a catch and release fishing program for children and adults who have disabilities. Spend an afternoon learning to cast, catch, and remove fish from the hook. All fishing poles and bait will be provided, as well as some adaptive equipment. A group permit has been obtained for this program, so fishing licenses will not be required.

This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow, with hands on practice. All equipment will be provided. Class will meet at the pavilion on the Bellefontaine Conservation Area. The class will be held outdoors so please dress for the weather. Ages 9 and up, participants 9-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

This 2-hour beginner-friendly class will begin at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This program is made possible by a education cooperative agreement between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. Staff will discuss water safety guidelines and review the basics to kayaking on Ellis Bay. Participants and guides will then launch their boats and set off to paddle around Ellis Bay. Kayaks, paddles and USCG life jackets provided for all. Participants must be 13 years of age and up. Please see the important information below:

* Since this is an official American Canoe Association (ACA) sanctioned event all participants are required to complete this online waiver https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/mmVRZsEaiEHYwhr39bsiaG/ . If the waiver is not completed the participant will not be able to participate.

*Weight Limits:

Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org if you weigh 250 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak.

* Participants will meet at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way (approximatley 1 mile down the road/past the Audubon Center at Riverlands building).

Lesson 1:

*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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.

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.

Please meet at Lake 1 at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area

Please dress for the weather. We will start in the classroom with a safety briefing and skeet shooting orientation. Open toed shoes are not recommended for shooting activities. This program is for experienced shotgun shooters that have either taken Beginning Shotgun or Trap. Participants must be at least 90 lbs.

What makes a tree a tree? Why are trees important? Join us at Rockwoods Reservation as we learn about the power of trees. We will read a book, make a craft, look at leaves and bark, and go for a short hike. This program is geared towards ages 3-6, but siblings are welcome to attend. We will meet at the pavilion near the Rockwoods Reservation Education Center.

Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a personal water bottle.

Please register all attending, parents included.