Events

Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will demonstrate how to start a fire without matches and butane. Learn multiple methods of fire-starting and try your hand at this age-old skill. All ages.

Join Naturalist Sam Grove to learn about cave biology, cave ethics, and how to safely go caving. Meet at the Nature Center for an indoor presentation, then carpool to an MDC-owned cave near Springfield. No prior caving experience is required, but participants must be able to climb and crawl. Bring an extra change of clothes and shoes.

Join MDC staff and live snakes as they visit McDonald County Library at Pineville during their summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

It's summer and a good time to get out and relax on our rivers and streams. We will look at some of the best rivers here in Missouri for floating and the equipment you should take with you.

Join MDC staff and live snakes as they visit McDonald County Library at Southwest City during their summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park has many attractions, including springs, caves, sinkholes, and a castle. We will hike 4-5 miles on trails rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and binoculars if you like. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.

Celebrate Missouri's most magical insect at Fireflies at Farmers Park! Stop by the garden area of Farmers Park anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. Bring your family to make a firefly craft, play firefly games, and learn why fireflies blink. Come closer to 9 pm to catch fireflies. Nature Center staff and volunteers will be around to answer questions and offer fun facts. Check out the live band and food vendors at the Farmers Park courtyard, too. All ages.

Have an adventure at the Nature Center and learn different ways to enjoy the outdoors as we team up with the Springfield-Greene County Library during their summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. Bring your entire family to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities, stories, crafts and more. Drop by anytime and plan on spending at least an hour. The Mobile Library will be present during the program, so bring your library card. All ages.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

See live snakes at Schifferdecker Park. Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person. Conservation in the Parks is a partnership event hosted by Joplin Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.