Events

Members of the Missouri Trout Fisherman's Association will teach you about fly-fishing. This is part one of a two-class series. Learn what fly-fishing is, what fish eat, basic fly-fishing concepts, casting basics, and a few knots to get you going. After the indoor portion, participants will drive to Living Memorial Park to practice casting. This is a two-part series, and participants must register for both sessions. The second part of this series will be held on Saturday, October 3. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided We will teach and practice the basics and help you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

Dreaming of a buzzing, bursting, and blooming pocket-wilderness right outside your window? Ready to invite butterflies, native bees, and twinkling summer fireflies to move into your neighborhood?

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just an awkward, forgotten "hell strip" between the sidewalk and the street, fall is nature’s secret weapon for building the wild garden of your dreams!

In this cozy virtual program, we’ll dive into the magic, math, and mystery of transforming lawn into living habitat.

Together, we’ll explore:

Goodbye, Green Desert: Clever (and satisfying!) methods for turf removal

Taming the Hell Strip: Turning those tricky, neglected sidewalk patches into vibrant wildlife corridors

Planting vs. Winter Seeding: Tuck small native plants directly into autumn’s warm soil or let winter handle the magic with cold-stratified seeding

The "Why" Behind the Wild: How small, intentional yards act as essential oases for local birds, pollinators, and the broader web of life

Whether you’re aiming to transform a tiny garden bed or build your very own home-grown national park, this session will give you the tools, inspiration, and confidence to get growing.

Details: A virtual link will be sent prior to class so use a working email. Grab your emotional support liquids, bring your big backyard dreams, and let’s grow something wild together.

As autumn sweeps across the landscape, the prairie puts on its grand seasonal finale, swapping midsummer’s vibrant wildflower palette for a sweeping, rustling ocean of fiery bronze, amber, and deep gold. Join us for a magical evening stroll through Mount Vernon Prairie, perfectly timed to catch that ethereal October golden-hour glow!

We’ll gather at 5:30 PM, stepping onto the prairie just as the crisp evening air settles in and nature's night shift begins to stir.

This dreamy, slow-paced meander will feature:

- Storytelling & Science with Naturalists: Uncover the secret life of a remnant prairie in autumn, from underground root survival strategies to the fascinating mechanics of seed dispersal.

- Golden-Hour Magic for Photographers: Capture sun-drenched moments as warm October light settles across towering big bluestem, indian grass, and late-season asters.

- Autumn Soundscapes: Pause and tune into the rich symphony of migrating songbirds, rustling grasses, and the cheerful chorus of fall insects.

- Nature Detective Work: Spot the curious "clues of October" - tracking seed heads, cozy wildlife hideouts, and the shifting shadows of early autumn sunsets.

We’ll wrap up around 7:30 PM, right as the twilight sky paints a dramatic closing scene over the prairie horizon.

What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes (the prairie floor is delightfully untamed!), binoculars, and your camera or phone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photo hobbyist, or just someone looking for a little autumn magic, come chase the sunset with us!

Please use a working email, as that is how updates and information will be communicated. See you on the prairie!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... flying squirrel?! While shy and elusive, these adorable gliding rodents play an important role in a healthy forest ecosystem. We’ll learn about their unique adaptations through crafts, play, and other fun activities. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... flying squirrel?! While shy and elusive, these adorable gliding rodents play an important role in a healthy forest ecosystem. We’ll learn about their unique adaptations through crafts, play, and other fun activities. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Hands on instruction for all aspects of trapping and fur handling. This is an in the field experience where students of all ages are guided by expert trappers in both land and water sets. Preregistration is required. Any questions please contact Andrew Barnes at 417-461-4586

Join us and help celebrate the 9th birthday of our amazing two-headed snake, Tiger-Lily! We will have fun games and crafts for the kids, photo opportunities, and the chance to learn about -- and get close to -- live snakes!

This will be an open-house style event, so drop by anytime from 10am to noon to participate. (No registration required.)

Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center and Fish Hatchery is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. For questions or more information, call 417-334-4865 ext. 0 or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov

Join Volunteer Naturalist Dana Tideman to learn about monarch butterfly conservation, citizen science opportunities, monarch life cycle, and how to rear and tag monarchs. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.

This is part two of Fly-Fishing for Beginners. This class focuses on fishing techniques, how flies mimic insects and their metamorphic stages, fishing ethics, and where to go fishing. Participants will then practice casting with members of the Missouri Trout Fisherman's Association. All equipment will be provided. A catch-and-release fishing opportunity will be available after attending; details will be shared during class. This is a two-part series, and participants must register for both sessions. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.