Discover Nature Events

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

Walk-in (all ages) The Missouri Department of Conservation and Kansas City Police Department are partnering to offer a free movie experience at the Discovery Center. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs as a naturalist provides a short introductory program to get you connected with nature. The family friendly movie "Migration" will start at sunset with movie snacks available. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

If you're wondering what a glade is, or how to manage and restore one on your property, then this workshop is for you! Join MDC's Private Land Conservationists, Mark McLain and Danita Rechkemmer for a glade workshop at Glade Top Trail. This workshop will be a driving tour with 5 stops, including lunch.

Meet us at the Ava USDA NRCS office at 8:30AM on June 8th. Carpooling will be our best option but some may have to drive, or if you prefer to drive, expect rough road conditions.

Directions: From Mansfield take HWY 5 South to Ava. Turn left at the first stop light on Springfield Rd, continue for .1 miles and turn left onto Haden St, (right after signal gas station before the bank). Continue straight until road ends, it’s the large building on the left. Parking is on the left and in front of the USDA building.

Special instructions:

1. Lunch will be provided by MDC – if you have special dietary needs, please contact Mark McLain at mark.mclain@mdc.mo.gov

2. We will try to carpool from the USDA office to reduce the number of vehicles, but some participants may have to drive.

3. If you prefer to drive yourself, bring a vehicle that can traverse several miles of rough county gravel roads and Forest Service trails.

4. This is a remote location with no amenities.

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.

Walk-in (ages 12+) Nature provides incredible inspiration and one-of-a-kind supplies in our own backyards. As spring and summer colors have exploded at the Discovery Center, we've collected dried stems, flowers, leaves, grasses and more from our landscape to help you tap into your creative side. Explore a variety of colors and textures as you create your own natural summer garden lantern! If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Reservations began Friday, May 26

Join Missouri Department of Conservation as we present an afternoon of nature and art! Our urban habitats feature many great natural inspirations for artists on all levels. Learn about fireflies in St. Louis, 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 owls and then creating a painting of one. Please register each person.

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.

We will be going on a bug hunt through the garden, grasses, and woods. Will we find any cicada shells as well as other insects? Who will catch the first grasshopper? Dress for the weather and wear insect repellant. Stay afterwards to enjoy stories by the librarian.

Has your child ever uttered the statement, “I’m bored!”? Well, look no further! This two-day camp is full outdoor adventure fun and will be sure to cure them of their summer boredom. This year we'll be exploring the beautiful variety of habitats found in Missouri, and the animals that call these places home. Throughout the two days of camp, participants will explore Missouri’s habitats by foot, canoe, and jumping right in! A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. Snacks, safety, and all equipment are provided. Each child is only eligible for one Kids Camp session per year.

We will be going on a bug hunt through the garden, grasses, and woods. Will we find any cicada shells as well as other insects? Who will catch the first grasshopper? Dress for the weather and wear insect repellant. Arrive early at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy stories by the librarian.