Lesson 1: This lesson must be taken before any of the other Discover Nature Fishing lessons 2-4. This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast fishing […]

Learn the steps necessary to process wild game yourself. We will discuss the field dressing process and demonstrate how to skin and butcher a game animal in simple easy steps with minimum equipment. You'll learn tips on how to make sure your wild game is the best quality possible. We will give a demonstration on […]

Prepare yourself with a session on bow hunting gear, proper clothing, stands, calls, and techniques to improve your chances of success. We will discuss best bow hunting practices, safety and how bow hunting differs from hunting deer with a rifle

There's nothing quite like the freedom on the water that a kayak offers. If you have ever wanted to learn more about paddling, jump in and join us to cover all the basics and get you water ready! Love to paddle, but already attended this basic course? Keep an eye out for more program options […]

Registration required (ages 8+) Step into the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians! Join us as we learn about several different snakes, turtles and frogs native to Missouri's ecosystems. Once you gain some insight into the survival skills and specialized structures of these creatures you will discover most of them are harmless and beneficial. You […]

Registration required for each participating (all ages) Native pollinators are amazing and a vital part of nature! Join a naturalist to search for these cool critters around the nature center, play a game to learn the three key parts of great bee habitat and take a native plant home (1 per household). Check in for […]

Join us for this 2-part program as we explore the elements that make a glade and what creatures are lurking under rocks and between the wildflowers. Part 1 will be a virtual program and part 2 will be an in-person hike. Registration is required. Please register with a valid email address to receive the program […]

Every third Thursday at 12pm, we’ll tour the native landscape at MDC’s Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by native landscape specialists Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, this monthly series features a live look at native plants of interest throughout the year, This program is a partnership with Deep Roots.

Have you ever wondered how a snake can eat with no hands? Or how turtles and fish catch their dinner? Join our Runge naturalists to get up close and personal with some of Missouri's coolest critters.

Registration required (adults) In this fast-paced world, we go to big box stores to buy everything from medicines to cleansers. Slow down, get back to your roots and imagine if we could create medicinal salves, soaps, and tonics from native plants in our own backyard.

Humans are not the only animals that can be athletes. Come and be a part of the Animal Olympic Games. We will investigate who are the strongest, fastest, and smartest animal athletes in Missouri. Discover how you measure up to these Critter Olympians. Registration required. Ages 7-12 years.