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.

This program is designed to help the first-time kayaker understand the basics of one of the most popular watersports in Missouri. We will talk about the types of basic equipment needed to float Missouri’s rivers, lakes, and streams safely. Space is limited so registration is required and please leave a valid email for any follow up information for this program. Dress for the weather and to get wet!

Bring the family for a summer evening of fishing fun. We will provide instruction, fishing rods, reels, and bait—you catch the fish! Meet at Freedom Park, located at 6176 Hwy VV in Rogersville at 7 pm. Ages 5 and up. Registration required. A valid fishing permit is required for those between the ages of 16 and 64. Younger siblings are welcome.

Gar, a common fish species, play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of Missouri. Learn how these prehistoric gentle giants influence the waterways of the state and then create a craft to take home. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Gar, a common fish species, play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of Missouri. Learn how these prehistoric gentle giants influence the waterways of the state and then create a craft to take home. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Are you wild about beetles? So is Naturalist Jordi Raos! Discover the fascinating world of beetles and explore various species of Coleoptera that inhabit our state. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

You have learned the basics of shooting a shotgun, now what? This class will show you the games of Trap, Skeet, and 5-Stand Sporting Clays, all of which are known as Shotgun Shooting Sports. Each game has it own unique traits that make them enjoyable. We will talk about how to mount the gun, hold points, the flight of the birds, break points, forward allowance, plus various other mechanics. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Gar, a common fish species, play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of Missouri. Learn how these prehistoric gentle giants influence the waterways of the state and then create a craft to take home. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Ready to test your nature knowledge and learn about Missouri’s wildlife along the way? Join Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center Staff for an afternoon of Missouri nature trivia. Gather your trivia team and test your skills for prizes. All ages welcome but best for ages 10 and up. Registration is required.

Have you ever seen someone rock climbing and thought, "I want to do that, but I don't know where to start" or "How does one go about rock climbing ethically?" If that’s you, join us for Climbing 101! We will have instructor Amanda Layman from the Zenith Climbing Gym and naturalist Adara Smith here to go over the basics of climbing, where to get started, and how to climb outdoors ethically.

Ages 18 and up. This program is free, but registration is required.