Events

Join Naturalist Morgan Wyatt to discover which hummingbirds visit Missouri, their habits, which plants attract them, and the best ways to maintain hummingbird feeders. Naturalist Notes is a regular program where a naturalist showcases one of their favorite nature topics. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. All ages welcome but this program is designed for ages 10 and up.

Learn about common spring flowers and head out on the trail to find some.

Learn about common spring flowers and head out on the trail to find some.

Join us as we traverse the Blue Loop trail on the White River Valley Traill system at Table Rock Lake State Park. This 3-mile trail is rated moderate in difficulty. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles or a hiking stick if you have one. Bring lunch and a water bottle. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.

Drop by any time at this free event to purchase native plants for your landscaping needs. Vendors will offer hardy plants native to Missouri and will provide information about the benefits of planting native species. Or pre-order the native plants for your landscaping needs and they will be available for you to pick up. Please check with the MO Wildflower Nursery and Ozark Soul to see what is available and pre-purchase your native plants.

Immerse yourself in the Tastes and Sights of Spring at Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie. Bo Brown, author of Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands, will share how native prairie and grassland plants were traditionally used to provide sustainable food sources. Bo will answer all your prairie foraging questions and have a short book signing. In addition, MDC biologists will be available to discuss ways to create wildlife friendly plantings on your property, using many of the edible natives we are discussing.

Come prepared to spend the day outdoors. Bring along a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate footwear. A camp chair or blanket to sit on is a must.

Additional topics throughout the day will include, prairie and grassland birds, ecology, plant identification, and seasonal phenology changes.

Bring your little ones for a stroll to experience the sights and smells of nature on our trails. Please bring a sturdy stroller for our rugged trails, a baby carrier, or a toddler who likes to walk! Ages 0 to 2.

What’s scaly? Some people think are scary? Can quickly scurry? Snakes! Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see live snakes during this webinar.

This virtual program is part two of a multi part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part two, "Atlatl: in Missouri’s hunting history and present” we will discuss this fascinating hunting technique, where they come from, how to build one, modern usage, and more. Start time will be 12:05 PM using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the log in information 24 hours prior to the event.

Nighttime can be noisy this time of year! Join us for Little Acorns to learn all about the critters of the night and the noises they make. You will also make a craft to take home with you.