Events

Welcome Summertime with a guided public tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! Join a Naturalist to learn the difference between the Rainbow and Brown Trout raised at the hatchery, then visit the raceways and discover the amazing trout-raising process! And for just a quarter, you can feed the fish, too! Tours will meet at the large trout aquarium inside the Conservation Education Center.

Tours will be held four times daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning May 26th and continuing through Friday, September 4th. (The Hatchery will be closed for state holidays on June 19th and July 4th.)

All ages are invited, and no registration is required. For questions, call us at 417-334-4865 ext. 0, or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

This program is designed to help the first-time canoe paddler understand the basics of one of the most popular watersports in Missouri. We will talk about the types of basic equipment needed to float Missouri’s rivers, lakes, and streams safely. space is limited so registration is required and please leave a valid email for any follow up information for this program. Dress for the weather and to get wet!

Join us for an evening ecology walk at Mount Vernon Prairie, timed perfectly for golden-hour light as we explore Mount Vernon Prairie and all its seasonal splendor. We’ll caravan from the Springfield Conservation Nature Center at 5:45 PM and arrive at the prairie as the light softens and wildlife activity picks up.

This slow, sensory-focused walk will include:

Naturalist talks about what makes a healthy prairie ecosystem and why these remnant landscapes matter

Golden-hour photography moments with warm light on native grasses and wildflowers

Listening sessions as evening insects, birds, and prairie soundscapes come alive

Opportunities to observe seasonal plants, wildlife signs, and changing light as sunset approaches

We’ll wrap up around 8:30 PM, just as the sun sets over the prairie.

Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, and/or your camera or phone if you’d like to take photos. This is a relaxed, family-friendly outing designed for anyone who enjoys nature, photography, or simply being outdoors at the best time of day.

Kids Free Fishing Day will be June 6 with fishing hours from 8 a.m. to noon at Kellogg Lake in Carthage.

Children ages 15 and under may participate. No registration required.

Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to help their children, but adults are also asked to let them fish by themselves as much as possible. Only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish in the designated children’s fishing zone.

Join us at the Springfield Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! During this self-guided hike enjoy nature while answering trivia questions along the way! Stop by the table before your adventure to pick up a question sheet. All ages. Registration required.

Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will demonstrate how to start a fire without matches or butane. Learn multiple fire-starting methods and try your hand at this age-old skill. Ages 8 and up. Registration required.

Explore the trails of Compton Hollow with us. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring water, a snack, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. This 3.75-mile hike is rated moderate in difficulty. Return time may vary, with an expected return as early as 12:30 pm. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.

Discover the fascinating world of birds of prey in this engaging and educational library program at the Joplin Public Library! Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this interactive program explores the lives, adaptations, and importance of raptors such as hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Participants will get an up-close look at taxidermy specimens, and a hands-on feather display will showcase the incredible variety of feather types. No registration is required.

Squirrel hunting is a rewarding and accessible hunting activity with deep roots in Missouri. This abundant game animal was an important resource for many throughout Missouri’s history. While hunting squirrels may not be as popular as deer or turkey today, squirrels still provide enjoyable hunting and excellent table fare for those who pursue them. Squirrel hunters enjoy long hunting seasons, generous bag limits, inexpensive hunting gear, and plenty of places to hunt. It is an excellent activity for new hunters developing their skills or seasoned hunters who just need an excuse to spend more time in the woods.

This virtual program will provide participants with a basic understanding of squirrel biology and behavior; an overview of squirrel hunting regulations and seasons; information on how to locate places to squirrel hunt; a breakdown of required equipment and hunting strategies; instruction on how to clean and prepare harvested squirrels; and next steps for new hunters who want to further their knowledge or explore hunting opportunities.

Participants will be emailed a link to attend the virtual program the day of the event. Please check your spam folder. This program will be broadcast live, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Float a scenic stretch of the Niangua, sharpen practical outdoor skills, and enjoy a calm day on the water. Whether you’re learning to paddle, trying fishing from a canoe for the first time, or just want a summer escape, this program blends skill, safety, and simple outdoor joy. Get out on the river for a relaxed, hands-on afternoon of canoeing and fishing. Learn basic canoe safety and paddling techniques, then practice fishing from the canoe with guided tips on casting, rigging, and landing fish. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to combine a peaceful float with a little angling adventure.

What we’ll do:

-Quick canoe safety and paddling primer (launch, balance, re-entry, and on-water etiquette)

-Demonstration of fishing from a canoe: rod setup, casting from a seated position, and safe fish handling

-Guided practice time on the water with instructors available to coach and answer questions

Gear to bring:

-Spinning reel if you have one with fishing line no heavier than 4-lb test (recommended)

-Water, snacks, and a sack lunch

-Sunscreen and insect repellent

-Dress for the Niangua River in summer: quick-dry clothing, hat, and closed-toe shoes that can get wet

-Optional: polarized sunglasses, small tackle box, and a life jacket if you prefer your own (PFDs will be provided)

Safety and comfort

-All participants will receive a safety briefing and be fitted with a personal flotation device (PFD).

-Instructors will pair participants and supervise on the water.

Please use a current email as this is how we will communicate and give updates as needed.