Events

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on Wednesday, May 9 & 22 this month.

Many of us drive over the Missouri River without giving it a second thought. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Missouri’s most magnificent natural resource in a canoe? It is magic to be on the river! We will explore an 9-mile stretch on the Missouri River from La Benite Park to Cooley Lake. Estimated time on the water is appx. 3 hours.

Please dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, snacks, and a head lamp or flashlight.

MDC will provide canoes, paddles, and PFD’s. This program is dependent on weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted if conditions are not acceptable on the weekend of the event. All participants MUST register separately. *Mandatory orientation on May 9th from 6:00-8:00pm at Burr Oak Woods Education Pond. You will automatically be registered into the orientation upon registration for this event. Those aged 16-17 must have an adult chaperone on the trip.

**Please do not register if you are not able to come to the orientation**

MEET AT LITTLE COMPTON LAKE CONSERVATION AREA for an evening of outdoor fun with an overnight camping option. Enjoy archery, fishing, (dinner break), a slide show on dark skies and a tour of the stars with telescopes from the Astronomical Society of Kansas City.

*This is a (Class 3) dark sky area. For comparison, the Blue Springs area is Class 5-6, two-three classes brighter. Little Compton Lake CA is about a 2-hour drive northeast of Blue Springs, MO. *Archery/fishing equipment will be provided by MDC for this program. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, WATER AND CAMPING GEAR IF YOU CHOOSE TO CAMP FOR THE NIGHT. MO fishing rules apply: 65 and older and under 16 don’t need a license. There is a privy and large gravel parking lot with larger flat mowed area around it (NO ELECTRICITY). It is an MDC area, so no fees to camp. Area regulations say dogs must be leashed.

Archery and fishing programs offered from 5:00PM - 6:30PM. Then, we break for dinner.

People may chose to fish again after they eat.

Dark Skies/Astronomy program from 8:30-10:30PM.

People may choose to camp or drive home after that.

Experience the sunset at Burr Oak Woods as you never have! Join yoga instructor, Lisa LaCombe with Yoga Journeys, to discover the healing power of yoga while exploring our own unique connection to the natural world. We will begin our evening with a Yoga Flow practice, and then venture into the forest for some meditation and journaling. We will conclude the evening at sunset with some gentle restorative yoga, balancing mind, body and spirit. Meet at the Burr Oak Woods Robert Aylward Education Pond.

Register at yogajourneys1200@gmail.com

Missouri bears are always on the lookout for tasty food. Do you think you can fill a plate full of food enough to satisfy a black bear? Join us as we learn about these large mammals and all the different foods they eat!

It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

Come out and learn how to identify Missouri native trees. We will explore different shapes, sizes, colors and textures of trees and what they have to offer to people and animals. Presentation in the auditorium followed by a walk down the Missouri Tree trail.

Did you know that you can create delightful natural teas from leaves collected just outside your door? Come in and enjoy a cup of tea as you learn how to identify, harvest, and dry these delicious leaves for later use.

Butterflies are amazing and vital parts of nature. Flutter like a butterfly with us and learn about how the Monarch butterfly makes its magical trek to Mexico every fall.

Open up a book to bring a piece of nature indoors! This interactive story time is perfect for families with young children to spark curiosity about Missouri’s wildlife, plants and more!