Events

An atlatl is an ancient tool used to throw a light spear known as a dart. This program will focus on practicing technique during sport target shooting for beginners. Information about different styles of atlatls and darts will also be covered.

Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 1 & 2:

Lesson 1: “Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling” combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely operate a spin cast fishing rod. Participants will also learn the 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 young anglers and families 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.

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Participants who complete all DNF Lessons (1-4) will be rewarded the choice between a FREE Zebco 202 fishing rod, stocked tackle box, or fishing net.

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

Please contact the Community Education Assistant, Huston Spellman with questions.

Huston.Spellman@mdc.mo.gov

573-815-7900 ext. 2926

Experience the sunset at Burr Oak Woods as you never have! Join yoga instructor, Lisa LaCombe with Yoga Journeys, to discover the healing power of yoga while exploring our own unique connection to the natural world. We will begin our evening with a Yoga Flow practice, and then venture into the forest for some meditation and journaling. We will conclude the evening at sunset with some gentle restorative yoga, balancing mind, body and spirit. Meet at the Burr Oak Woods Robert Aylward Education Pond.

Register at yogajourneys1200@gmail.com

When was the last time you saw a monarch butterfly fluttering through your flowers? Or a bald eagle swooping down to catch a fish in the Mississippi River? What about a gray bat returning to its place in a cave?

It might have been a while, but you may experience these events more often in the future because all these creatures have something in common. Each is or has been on a list of species protected by the (Federal) Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Wildlife Code of Missouri also helps to protect threatened and endangered species in Missouri.

We will discuss why certain species are in danger of extinction, and how the Endangered Species Act of 1973 is helping to preserve them for future generations.

Bring a sack lunch. Water, coffee, and dessert will be provided. Park in front of the visitor center.

What is making all that noise near our pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about the life cycle of amphibians. Then we will take a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

What is making all that noise near the pond on Tanglevine? Join us to learn about amphibian life cycles. Then we will go for a hike to look for tadpoles and frogs!

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

If reptiles were superheroes, the skink would be The Flash! It is not easy get a good look at these sleek reptiles and usually we only catch a quick glimpse of their blue tail because they are so fast. Join us as we take some time to slow down and learn more about these common lizards and how they help us out.

Join us and learn how to clean and prepare most species of common Missouri fish.

We'll start the afternoon off catching a few fish. Then we'll clean the fish that we caught . We'll also prepare those fish using some favorite Methods. Participants will be able to sample what we cook

Missouri Department of Conservation with provide all fishing equipment, fish cleaning equipment and cooking equipment.

Program is appropriate for adults and families with children over the age of 8. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Fishing permits are not required to fish during this event.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.