Events

Calling all photographers! Whether you’re a professional or just like snapping photos on your phone, the Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to head on out to one of our largest Conservation Areas in the state this summer. With nearly 7,000 acres of land and a wide variety of habitats, Busch Conservation Area is host to hundreds of species of wildlife. From Cormorants on the lake, Turkeys in the fields, and Beavers in creek, the possibilities of spotting some of our incredible Missouri wildlife are endless!

Starting May 1st, photos submitted via email to Sabrina.Hansen@mdc.mo.gov will be printed and displayed in the entrance of the St. Louis Regional Office within Busch CA for visitors to view and vote for their favorite photo of the week! You can also post your submitted photos on Facebook or Instagram using #BuschWildlifeoftheWeek. Fan favorite photos will be hung in the hallway of the Regional Office for all to enjoy throughout the summer season. The last day to submit summer photos will be August 31st.

Photos submitted MUST be taken at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area, or our next-door neighbor Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Description of the location on either Conservation Area must be included in your email submission. Photo must include native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants.

While we encourage participants to spot and photograph our flora and fauna, we ask that you remain at a healthy distance from any wildlife and respect all living things on our areas while also following all area regulations.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos: Try going during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light. Don’t forget to fill the frame with your subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging that subjects seen from a distance. Consider pulling out a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in our native plants, and a host of tiny and cool insects and pollinators. And finally, be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

You can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Please welcome “Birds and Butterflies,

and Other Nature Scenes of Missouri” by artist Joseph Parish.

This exhibit is multimedia, with the various works being done in classic

watercolor, opaque watercolor (French Gouache), acrylic, oils, and

photography.

The work is inspired mostly from original photographs taken by the artist in

Missouri and the Midwest ranging from his own backyard to the Mississippi

Flyway.

Artwork on display in lobby.

Raised on a farm in the Missouri river bottoms, Dan Brueggeman developed an early appreciation of wildlife and the out-of-doors. It wasn't until 1984 that the artist encountered his future vocation, when he met a decoy carver and was fascinated by the amount of realism obtainable in wood sculpture. Dan's first decoy, although it bears little resemblance to today's works, is still the most prized piece in his collection. In addition to the original waterfowl, Dan has expanded his focus to encompass songbirds, fish, game birds, mammals and raptors. He has been honored with numerous awards, including several "Best of Show" awards. His carvings currently grace many private and corporate art collections. The exhibition is located in the west wing at Runge and can be viewed through June 30, 2024.

Come visit during the month of May to see artwork from Wild Wanders, a local homeschool group, featured in our auditorium. This groups loves to meet up to hike, play, and learn about the outside world together. They believe that time in nature is valuable even on the not-so-beautiful days. Various artwork pieces will be represented.

Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, explore the natural beauty of Wood Duck Swamp. Using the app and trail prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through Wood Duck Swamp to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!

Agents of Discovery is a mobile app game that takes your visit to Runge to another dimension! As an Agent, your mission is a scavenger hunt played on your phone to discover different things animals do in spring. Explore the exhibits in the nature center to find QR codes with info and questions about animals. Find all the QR codes in the scavenger hunt and answer all questions to win. Then come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required. All ages

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on Wednesday, May 9 & 22 this month.

Artist Tom Schulte, creator of Runge's large box turtle sculpture near the front entrance, is back with his collection of nature-inspired oils over copper relief. By using oil paint and aged copper, Tom creates intriguing and beautiful landscapes.

Tom Schulte grew up in rural Missouri. He received a BFA from Brigham Young University and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University. His artwork is in collections across the US and Canada. No registration required. All ages

Meet at the large pavilion in Huckleberry Park next to the playground. Fishing is encouraged but optional.

A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.

Permits are available for purchase online.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.