Events

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, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2 to 6.

Spring is here and we have been busy working in our flower gardens. Did you know that native plants are more beneficial than plant species that you can buy at most box stores? In this program we will look at the benefits of native plants and where to purchase them.

This virtual program is part one of a multi part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part one, "Knife, Axe, and Saw Skills and Safety” we will discuss safety and the skills needed to be safe while performing various Bushcraft skills and tasks. Start time will be 6:05 PM using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the log in information 24 hours prior to the event.

In partnership with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, we bring you Wildlife Photographer Noppadol Paothong. He will focus on how to take better impact photographs that tell a story and give tips and personal decisions on how to create images that go beyond just a snapshot.

A great day for the whole family to enjoy! Kids ages 15 and under will be able to fish in an adult free zone during the whole day. There will also be free outdoor activities, educational activities, and much more for the families to enjoy! For more information contact Roaring River hatchery staff. 471-847-2430.

Learn some birding basics, including how to use binoculars properly, and get some identification tips. We'll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds.

Join us as we explore the Nature Center grounds in search of the stuff animals leave behind. We'll start in the classroom to learn about tracks and scat before hitting the trails. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bug spray is also suggested. Ages 12-17. Registration required.

Spring is a great time to get out and look for birds, both migratory and the ones that nest here year-round! Although some just pass through Missouri, many nest right here in Joplin. Join us to look for birds of all kinds and the signs of their nests at Mercy Park. Conservation in the Parks is a partnership event hosted by Joplin Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group. Registration is required with the Wildcat Glades Nature Group. Best for ages 5 and up.

Fly in to learn how and why birds migrate to and from Missouri every spring. Conservation Kids is designed for kids ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend as families will do activities together.