Events

Fishing is a long-practiced activity in Missouri as a pastime and a vital tool for survival. From Native Americans with handmade equipment to modern anglers with fancy boats and fish finders, Missouri’s tradition of fishing is deep and very much alive. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for this historic fishing program to learn about and get hands-on experience with traditional methods of fishing such as using cane poles, hand lining, and trapping fish. A fishing permit is not required for this program.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals healthy. Bring your family and friends as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult groups are welcome.

Have you thought about squirrel hunting but have no idea where to start?

Squirrels are one of the most exciting small game animals you can hunt. With their unpredictable movements and gigantic leaps through the tree canopies, squirrel hunting offers a challenge for both beginners and seasoned hunters. It’s a great sport to introduce to friends and family. The added plus is you can enjoy a tasty meal at the end of the day.

Squirrel Hunting 101 will deliver the basics so you can get started and discover the best tips to help you succeed!

Also sign up for Small Game, Big Skills: Squirrel Cleaning 101 following this program, starting at 7pm.

Ever wondered what to do after you take the shot? This hands-on workshop walks you through the essential skills every small-game hunter should know—how to properly clean and process a squirrel from the field to the freezer.

Participants will learn safe, ethical, and efficient techniques for skinning, gutting, and preparing squirrels for cooking and storage. You’ll get step-by-step guidance and then practice the process yourself, building confidence with real tools and real game.

Along the way, we’ll talk about meat care, avoiding common mistakes, and how learning to process your own harvest helps you get the most from every hunt. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with practical skills, a better understanding of where your food comes from, and the confidence to handle small game on your own next season.

Also sign up for Squirrel Hunting 101 that starts just before this program at 5:30pm!

Bring your family and join us for some creek fun at Litz Park. Participants will meet at the parking lot next to the pickle ball courts at Litz Park and take a short walk to the stream. Here we will splash, play, and learn about the critters that call Missouri’s streams home. This program requires a short walk down a steep hill with uneven stairs and uneven terrain. Each family member must register for the camp. Please wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet, there will not be a place to change clothing.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of summer birds on a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Grab your boots and get ready to squish, splash, and explore the swamp at the nature center! Swamps are important habitats that provide a home to many unique plants and animals. We will learn all about these wetlands and why we need them. Take a stroll down to Wood Duck Swamp to discover who lives in the water and then look at the microscopic world of this soggy ecosystem. Each family member must register for the camp. Please wear shoes and clothes that can get muddy and bring a change of clothes.

This class is a 12 month program that will meet once a month all year long. During these monthly sessions you will learn simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques by stitching quilt blocks based on this year's theme: Missouri's Streams. We will explore a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in or near Missouri’s beautiful streams and rivers.

By signing up, you are committing to attend all twelve of the monthly sessions so that you will be able to complete blocks for an entire quilt. If you cannot attend for any reason, please call or email the instructor to reserve your materials - but feel free to attend one of the virtual options on the same day (at noon or 5PM)

Classes will typically be held on the second Monday of each month. You will need to have your own embroidery hoop, needle, and threads. You may use our light boards and frixion pens prior to class, if you don't have your own.

This class is a 12 month program, that coincides with the Needlers class, will meet once a month all year long. During these monthly sessions young participants will learn about species of Missouri's Streams. We will explore a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in or near Missouri’s beautiful streams and rivers.

Virtual options occur on the same day (at noon or 5PM), check the events calendar for registration links.

Classes will typically be held on the second Monday of each month.

This class is a 12 month program that will meet once a month all year long. During these monthly sessions you will learn simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques by stitching quilt blocks based on this year's theme: Missouri's Streams. We will explore a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found in or near Missouri’s beautiful streams and rivers.

Programs are typically held on the second Monday of each month, unless there is a holiday. A second virtual timeslot and in-person programming is also available at 5:00PM.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, fabric, needle, and thread. Links to the virtual platform will be sent out in the week prior to the program.