Events

Artwork on display in lobby.

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.

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.

Join us in Carthage Missouri for a free kid's fishing event for youth ages 15 and under from 8 am to 12 noon. You will need to bring your own fishing tackle. the lake will be open for everyone to fish after the end of the event at noon. Statewide limits still apply, limit of four channel catfish per youth/person, see posted regulations for more info. Free Fishing Weekend is June 8th and 9th in Missouri!

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.

Meet at the Nature Center and carpool to Prairie State Park which encompasses nearly 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie in western Barton County near Lamar. This 2.5-mile hike covers uneven and possible muddy terrain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Bring a sack lunch, water, snacks, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

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.