Events

Come join us for a workshop geared toward managing forests and woodlands. This workshop will highlight different management options available to maximize wildlife potential and timber value. Stops on the tour will highlight restoration activities including prescribed fire and woodland restoration, and we will discuss different management practices as well. Part of this workshop will include a 1-mile hike through steep and rugged hills to view various timber management projects, so please come prepared with appropriate clothes and footwear. Lunch will be provided but seating is limited so please bring a lawn chair.

This workshop is on private land south of Warrenton. Location and directions will be provided to all registrants after registration closes.

Join us as we read OF TIME AND TURTLES by Sy Montgomery (one of our favorite authors). This book is about rescuing turtles and the people who devote their lives to saving them.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is an ever-changing floodplain which can reveal unexpected beauty and provide a peaceful mood to relax after a long work week. Join us for an evening nature walk to see what plants are blooming and what animals are singing as spring transitions into summer.

A volunteer will meet you at the front gate with directions to the hike location. We plan to go off trail, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring a water bottle and a hiking stick if you have one.

Please register each participant individually.

Summer hiking is hot! Skip the heat and join us on a dusk hike. We will look and listen for iconic summer creatures like frogs and owls.

Remember to pack water and good walking shoes.

Families who have never had experience shooting .22 rifles are invited to participate in an instructor led, live fire session learning safety and the proper techniques of shooting .22 rim fire rifles. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided

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

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

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.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

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.

Does the sport of fly-fishing interest you but you just don’t know where to start? Join us at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Lake 2 to learn the basics of fly fishing. In this class we will cover Fly fishing safety; rod selection; line, backer, leader, and tippet; basic knots; and the basics of fly casting. You will need a valid Missouri fishing permit for this class (participants 15 years of age or younger are exempt). To purchase permits, see, mdc.mo.gov/permits. You will also need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to use it otherwise, we have rods for you to use.

The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route. Learn how to do all three by joining us at for this free orienteering program. Included will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, clothing attire for gravel trails, and water.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

*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.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

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.