Events

Raised on a farm in the Missouri river bottoms, Dan Brueggeman developed an early appreciation of wildlife and the out-of-doors. It wasn't until 1984 that the artist encountered his future vocation, when he met a decoy carver and was fascinated by the amount of realism obtainable in wood sculpture. Dan's first decoy, although it bears little resemblance to today's works, is still the most prized piece in his collection. In addition to the original waterfowl, Dan has expanded his focus to encompass songbirds, fish, game birds, mammals and raptors. He has been honored with numerous awards, including several "Best of Show" awards. His carvings currently grace many private and corporate art collections. The exhibition is located in the west wing at Runge and can be viewed through June 30, 2024.

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to Runge to another dimension! As an Agent, your mission is a scavenger hunt played on your phone to discover different things animals do in spring. Explore the exhibits in the nature center to find QR codes with info and questions about animals. Find all the QR codes in the scavenger hunt and answer all questions to win. Then come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required. All ages

Artist Tom Schulte, creator of Runge's large box turtle sculpture near the front entrance, is back with his collection of nature-inspired oils over copper relief. By using oil paint and aged copper, Tom creates intriguing and beautiful landscapes.

Tom Schulte grew up in rural Missouri. He received a BFA from Brigham Young University and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University. His artwork is in collections across the US and Canada. No registration required. All ages

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of Bothwell State Historic Site (Pettis County); 3.5 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+

“ . . . and fish is fish and that’s that!” So writes Leo Lionni in his classic book, Fish Is Fish. We will explore their watery world this month through crafts, activities, and a story. Registration required. Ages 3-6.

*Lessons 1 and 2 are required*

Lesson 3: “Five Common Missouri Fish” combines instruction with hands-on fishing in order to teach young anglers and families the anatomy, habitat, diet, and life cycle of five common Missouri fish.

Lesson 4: “Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families to identify different kinds of lures and to grasp an understanding of applicable fishing regulations and why we have them.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Participants who complete all DNF Lessons (1-4) will be rewarded the choice between a FREE Zebco 202 fishing rod, stocked tackle box, or fishing net.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website.

Please email Huston Spellman, Community Education Assistant with questions.

Huston.Spellman@mdc.mo.gov

573-815-7900 ext. 2926

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Nature's Needlers, a program combining nature with quilting, is back! This monthly series features a nature presentation along with a customized quilt block pattern to take home and complete at your own pace. The 2024 theme is "Missouri's Conservation Success Stories."

May: Eastern bluebirds (our fifth quilt block) were once very scarce in Missouri, but now their annual return is eagerly anticipated as a sign that spring has finally arrived. Steve and Regina Garr from Birds-I-View, have been extensively involved with bluebirds, and will share the remarkable story of their restoration to Missouri, and elsewhere. Registration required. Ages 18+

Date: May 17th

Location: Stephens Lake Park

Join us for a family fishing day in the park! Fishing poles, tackle, bait, and instruction will be provided. This is a great opportunity for anyone you know who is interested in fishing but does not have the gear to do so. Anyone is welcome. Stop by to grab a fishing pole and start fishing!

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult AT ALL TIMES.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit during this event.

Registration is NOT required to attend.

Please email Huston Spellman, Community Education Assistant with questions.

Huston.Spellman@mdc.mo.gov 573-815-7900 ext. 2926

Come to the range to improve your shotgun shooting for hunting. This is a free workshop that will help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills with non-toxic shot. Topics include how to select the best ammunition and choke combination for hunting, how to improve your shooting skills, general information on the latest non-toxic shotgun ammunition, how to improve your range & distance estimation skills, and how to properly pattern your shotgun. There will be a presentation inside followed by clay bird shooting and shotgun patterning. Bring your own shotgun that you typically use hunting. We will provide ammunition for you. Please leave all firearms your vehicle until the shooting portion begins. We will break for lunch inside the classroom. Bring your own lunch and any drinks.