Events

Prairie, prairie, quite contrary, how do your grasses grow? “Quite well,” the prairie answers. Prairies are home to some amazing wildflowers and grasses that make a beautiful natural garden. Learn about this amazing habitat on National Prairie Day, create some cool crafts and participate in prairie-themed activities to celebrate the day. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Prairie, prairie, quite contrary, how do your grasses grow? “Quite well,” the prairie answers. Prairies are home to some amazing wildflowers and grasses that make a beautiful natural garden. Learn about this amazing habitat on National Prairie Day, create some cool crafts and participate in prairie-themed activities to celebrate the day. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

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

Does your neighbor always seem to fill their deer permits when you don’t? Are squirrels the only thing you see when you’re in the stand? Well, a food plot may be the answer. Learn about the basics of putting in food plots for deer and how you can still actively prepare for deer season during the summer.

Please ensure your account has a valid email address to receive the link to the program. Links are sent at least 30 minutes before the program starts.

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation on June 7 for our annual family fishing night. Help your young ones pull fish from our kid’s pond and get a chance to reel in some fish from Cape Girardeau County Park North Pond. No registration or permit is necessary and equipment with instruction can be obtained at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The weekend following this event, June 8 and 9, are Free Fishing Days so when you find out you love fishing you will be able to use the loaner pole program located at the Nature Center and fish even more for free. So join us and get hooked on fishing.

Youth Jug Fishing Clinic will be hosted by MDC and the Army Corp of Engineers at the Redman Recreation Area, below Bill Emerson Visitor Center, Wappapello, MO. This event is for youth ages 8-15 years old, it will start at 5pm and will last until after midnight. The event will consist of a fish fry for dinner, multiple stations including safety and regulations, fish biology, and a jug making station. Youth will then spend the rest of the evening out on boats with MDC employees and Conservation Agents jugging for fish. (Parents/guardians can attend all of the evening, but will not be able to accompany this youth while on the boats)

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted later). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

Has your child ever uttered the statement, “I’m bored!”? Well, look no further! This two-day camp is full outdoor adventure fun and will be sure to cure them of their summer boredom. This year we'll be exploring the beautiful variety of habitats found in Missouri, and the animals that call these places home. Throughout the two days of camp, participants will explore Missouri’s habitats by foot, canoe, and jumping right in! A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. Snacks, safety, and all equipment are provided. Each child is only eligible for one Kids Camp session per year.

Has your child ever uttered the statement, “I’m bored!”? Well, look no further! This two-day camp is full outdoor adventure fun and will be sure to cure them of their summer boredom. This year we'll be exploring the beautiful variety of habitats found in Missouri, and the animals that call these places home. Throughout the two days of camp, participants will explore Missouri’s habitats by foot, canoe, and jumping right in! A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. Snacks, safety, and all equipment are provided. Each child is only eligible for one Kids Camp session per year.

Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.