Events

This display of historic duck and goose decoys has been put together by Greg Renner. It showcases work by both individuals and factory decoy productions throughout the State of Missouri and its surrounding region.

This 2-mile hike through will wind through Compton Hill Reservoir Park and the tree-lined streets of Compton Heights. This autumn stroll will showcase the vibrant fall colors while uncovering the rich history of the area. Designed with a vision to harmonize with nature, the neighborhood’s broad boulevards curve gently and were once home to some of St. Louis's wealthiest residents in the early 20th century.

"A Walk in the Park" is a guided program series designed for all ages and abilities. Each session highlights a different park, exploring its unique natural features, seasonal plants, and local wildlife, while also showcasing the cultural and historical significance that makes each space special.

Registration required (ages 16+) Join us for a virtual bat chat with Assistant Teaching Professor, Dr. Jessica Allen, from Rockhurst University. She will captivate your curiosity with her diverse knowledge about bats both in Missouri and abroad. Listen to her hands-on experience with bat tracking and trapping. You are guaranteed to learn a few fun facts along the way! This is the perfect program for both bat beginners and bat enthusiasts.

Experience the beauty of fall colors in St. Louis with an autumnal stroll through Carondelet Park! As we explore St. Louis’s third largest city park, we’ll learn why leaves change color in the fall, and observe some of the wildlife that call the park home.

This is a car free week in Carondelet Park, so we’ll park and meet on the perimeter of the park. Exact meeting location will be sent to participants the week of the program, so please ensure you include your email address when registering.

Please register each participant individually.

Calling all homeschoolers! Powder Valley is hosting a day of learning specially tailored to our homeschooling audience. In this all-day event we will be presenting our most popular educational lessons for school aged children. We will be presenting Growing up Wild, Creatures of Habitat, Predator vs. Prey and Wildlife Spotlight Reptiles in our auditorium. In addition to these programs, we will have guided Discovery Hikes on our Hickory Ridge Trail short loop. Whether you are only attending one session or all, registration for the event is required for all who will be attending.

Session Times and Descriptions:

9:45 a.m. Check-in

Check in begins at 9:45 a.m. inside the nature center lobby.

10:15 a.m. Introductions

Introductions will be held in the nature center auditorium. During this time, we will cover Homeschool Day agenda, Missouri Department of Conservation, and introduce event staff.

10:30 a.m. Growing Up Wild (Pre-K – 2nd)

All living things, big and small, have a life cycle. Discover nature as it grows through an exploration of plants and animals.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.B: Growth and Development; ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

11:30 a.m. Creatures of Habitat (3rd – 5th)

A habitat provides food, water, shelter, and space for the animals living there. Through exploration, students will compare and contrast how animals use their adaptations to survive in different environments.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A: Structure and Function; LS4.C: Adaptation

1:00 p.m. Predator vs. Prey (6th – 12th)

In nature, survival is the goal! Predators and prey both have unique tools and behaviors that help them survive. Through a study of skulls and predator-prey activities, students will experience wildlife survival.

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A: Structure and Function; LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; LS4.C: Adaptation

2:15 p.m. Wildlife Spotlight Reptiles (All Ages)

Reptiles are one of the oldest groups of animals on the plant and many species can be found here in Missouri! In this program we will slither into the world of cold-blooded critters. We will explore the questions, what is a reptile? Who can be found in Missouri? Then meet critters that call Powder Valley home.

Hikes will depart from the Staging Area at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Auditorium sessions will be about 45 minutes in length. Anyone is welcome to attend sessions, but each session is designed to fit the needs of different grade levels. During each session, students will be exposed to biofacts including but not limited to animal pelts, skeletons, shells, and other natural materials. You are welcome to attend as many of these sessions as you wish.

Guided Discovery Hikes will be led by a naturalist. Each hike will be about 45 minutes in length. You are responsible for your own water, sunscreen, and bug spray. The lead Naturalist will be equipped with a first aid kit.

Gather 'round and join us for a selection of nature stories perfect for all ages. Our storytellers will choose seasonal books to help inspire your next family adventure.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

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 (November 12 & 25).