Discover Nature Events

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 117
Date: Friday, March 1, 2024 8:00 am - Sunday, March 31, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Artwork on display in lobby.
Registration period: February 7 - March 19
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (adults) Found a baby bird on the ground, a nest of rabbits or is a raccoon busting into the attic? The list is endless on how we come into contact with wildlife. Many of our interactions are positive, but some can be alarming or less than desirable. Join a conservation educator to discuss the whys and how of what is legal with animals that we want to help or deter from becoming a nuisance. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Registration period: February 7 - March 19
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 6:30 pm - Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Online only
Registration required (ages 12+) The Midwest is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, some tasty and some toxic. Join Alix Daniel from the Discovery Center and the Missouri Mycological Society for a virtual tour of a few characteristic fungi of our region. Bring your mushroom hunting questions for the Q&A session after.
Registration period: February 20 - March 20
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 1:00 pm - Wednesday, March 20, 2024 2:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Baby season is here! Animals out in the wild may be different than us but one thing we have in common are that all our babies are cute! Join in on the fun as we explore how baby animals may share the same characteristics as us but some may be different. Short hike included.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 12:00 pm - Thursday, March 21, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Registration required through https://DeepRoots.org (adults) Spring is stirring in the Midwest. Take a virtual tour of the native gardens at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by Native Landscape Specialist Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, Outdoor Program Manager with Deep Roots KC, this program features a live look at native plants of interest plus landscaping tips and tricks. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.
Registration period: February 6 - March 21
Date: Friday, March 22, 2024 10:00 am - Friday, March 22, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stone Shelter

Birding is a great activity for all ages! At this beginning birding for children class, we’ll learn some common backyard birds and how to identify them. We’ll also learn how to use binoculars, and even go on a short walk to the Robert and Martha Gaddy Wild Bird Garden to practice our new birding skills!

We will meet at the Stone Shelter. The program will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. All supplies will be provided.

This program is designed for children ages 5+.

Registration period: February 6 - March 23
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 8:15 am - Saturday, March 23, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Meet at the Nature Center and carpool to Hercules Glade. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Trekking poles are recommended. This hike is about 6.5 miles and rugged, rated moderate to difficult.
Registration period: December 15 - March 23
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 9:30 am - Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:15 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Celebrate spring by learning about our bluebird of happiness! These pretty little birds are very busy this time of year raising a family. Through interactive play we will discover what it takes to be a bluebird parent. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.
Registration period: March 7 - March 23
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, March 23, 2024 1:30 pm
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stupp Center
With our partner, Tower Grove Park, we present an afternoon of nature and art! Tower Grove Park features many great natural inspirations for artists on all levels. Learn about nature in the park, then create a piece of inspiration to take home. Grab a friend or two, your older child/ren, or make it a date. No experience needed and we’ll provide all the materials necessary. We will be learning about the importance of native plants and then creating a painting of one. Please register each person.
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, March 23, 2024 2:00 pm
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Walk-in (all ages) Spark your curiosity with the weird, wild and bewildering! Inspired by MDC's Strange But True guidebook, explore the splendors of spring through extraordinary facts about Missouri's native plants and animals. Stop by and participate in these hands-on activities and prepare to be amazed! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.