Events

See live snakes at the Shoal Creek Center. 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 snakes in person.

Join us at the Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! Stop by the front desk to pick up a question sheet, then take a self-guided hike along our scenic trails and play trivia along the way. All ages.

Join us for a virtual journey through the skies as we explore Missouri’s birds of prey. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Hunting may not only be a family tradition, but a personal privilege that everyone can enjoy. Hunting is basic to our nature. Hunting allows us to help control wildlife populations and fun projects for wildlife management. Hunting is also a safe and natural way to help each of us reconnect with nature and our surroundings. In this class, we will cover all the reasons to hunt, why its important, and explore myths about hunting.

Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will demonstrate how to start a fire without matches and butane. Learn multiple methods of fire-starting and try your hand at this age-old skill. All ages.

Join Naturalist Sam Grove to learn about cave biology, cave ethics, and how to safely go caving. Meet at the Nature Center for an indoor presentation, then carpool to an MDC-owned cave near Springfield. No prior caving experience is required, but participants must be able to climb and crawl. Bring an extra change of clothes and shoes.

It's summer and a good time to get out and relax on our reivers and streams. We will look at some of the best rivers here in Missouri for floating and the equipment you should take with you.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park has many attractions, including springs, caves, sinkholes, and a castle. We will hike 4-5 miles on trails rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and binoculars if you like. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.

Celebrate Missouri's most magical insect at Fireflies at Farmers Park! Stop by the garden area of Farmers Park anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. Bring your family to make a firefly craft, play firefly games, and learn why fireflies blink. Come closer to 9 pm to catch fireflies. Nature Center staff and volunteers will be around to answer questions and offer fun facts. Check out the live band and food vendors at the Farmers Park courtyard, too. All ages.

Have an adventure at the Nature Center and learn different ways to enjoy the outdoors as we team up with the Springfield-Greene County Library during their summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. Bring your entire family to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities, stories, crafts and more. Drop by anytime and plan on spending at least an hour. The Mobile Library will be present during the program, so bring your library card. All ages.