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.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (June 10 & 24).

If you love to have fun outdoors and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, fire starting/knot tying, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring sack lunch and a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Registration will begin Friday May 1 at 8 AM and will end Thursday, May 28 at 5 PM.

Join us as we explore the wonders of dragonflies and what species call Missouri home in this informative virtual program.

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:

*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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 everyone 7 years old and up. 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.

Please meet at Lake 15

If you love to have fun outdoors and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, fire starting/knot tying, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring sack lunch and a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Registration will begin Friday May 1 at 8 AM and will end Thursday, May 28 at 5 PM.

Learn the basics of kayaking with MDC staff at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. This program will include a dry-land introduction to go over terminology, essential strokes, and water preparedness. We will then spend some time on Gopher Lake to experience kayaking on a small waterbody. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring water and appropriate sun protection. If there is a need to cancel due to weather or poor water conditions, participants will be notified at least one day before the event

Learn the basics of kayaking with MDC staff at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. This program will include a dry-land introduction to go over terminology, essential strokes, and water preparedness. We will then spend some time on Gopher Lake to experience kayaking on a small waterbody. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring water and appropriate sun protection. If there is a need to cancel due to weather or poor water conditions, participants will be notified at least one day before the event

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/curious-by-nature (adults) Join Deep Roots KC's "native plant nerds" as they highlight summer blooms and demonstrate various garden maintenance strategies including weeding with hand tools and proper use of power tools. Techniques demonstrated will include the "Chelsea Chop", using a paint scraper as a weeding tool and more.

Walk-in (all ages) Join Deep Roots KC for our very first three-day plant sale, a special expansion of our regular event to give you even more time to shop and explore. This extended sale features a curated selection of native favorites, including purple poppy mallow, cardinal flower, Pennsylvania sedge and more. Whether you're a seasoned native gardener or just getting started, you'll find plants that support pollinators and thrive in our region. Don't miss this exciting new opportunity to grow your garden and boost you impact over three full days! Visit https://deeproots.org/native-plant-sales-missouri-and-Kansas for more information. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.