Events

Join us for breakfast while enjoying the birds and blooms of Rockwoods Reservation! Come and take a stroll through the newly renovated native wildflower gardens around the Visitor Center while enjoying a doughnut and a cup of shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee! Naturalists will be available to share information about the flowers and how you can grow them in your yards or container gardens. Also, spring is an excellent time to see and hear the wonderful birds of Rockwoods! Learn how to identify those birds using the Merlin bird identification app. Naturalists will also be sharing tips on what you can do to protect birds and help them thrive, including that coffee that you will be enjoying! All are welcome to stop by for a few minutes or spend some time relaxing with us enjoying the sights and sounds of spring!

Meet at the Visitor Center.

All are welcome! No reservations are required.

It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

MDC will provide a staffed archery range and equipment for youth and families to experience the joy of archery during the Kids Fishing Day at Maramec Spring Hatchery & Park. No registration required.

This event will cover how to get started in bowfishing including equipment, legal fish, safety, where to go, and more. The attendees of this event will be taken on a mentored Bowfishing day. Participants must attend the Bowfishing classroom portion on May 13th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in order to attend the live event. All necessary equipment will be provided. The site of the program is to be determined.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Experience how native gardens change and learn seasonal maintenance required for success. Feel empowered, enjoy camaraderie and learn skills alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! All experience levels are welcome. The Deep Roots Demonstration Garden features Midwest native plants suitable for the home garden. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org for more information.

Learn some birding basics, including how to use binoculars properly, and get some identification tips. We'll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds.

*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.

Snakes are amazing animals and not really scary at all. Come and join us to learn lots of neat things about snakes like how they move, smell, hear and eat. There will be live snakes that are found in Missouri to look at and even touch. We will take a hike on the Fallen Oak Trail (.7 miles) and try to find some snakes in their natural habitat.

Come learn how to shoot archery! Archery is a safe and fun sport for everyone. All levels of abilities welcome but these events are geared for novices, 8-year-old to adults. Class Size is limited to provide for one-on-one instruction.

All equipment will be supplied. Please show up in sturdy, closed toe shoes. We will meet at the Static Archery Range on J. Thad Ray Conservation Area. Park at the parking lot and follow the mowed trail around to the left.

Want to see spring wildflowers and hike with a group? Meet at the pavilion for an introduction. Rockwoods is a little piece of the Ozarks close to home. According to MDC, “The terrain is reminiscent of the Ozark hills and many plants and animals found in hill country are also found here.”

We will hike about 2 miles. The hike includes hills and stairs. Picnic facilities are available if you want to bring your lunch.

Dress for the weather and protection from poison ivy. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring water and magnifying glass if you have one. Please register each participant individually.