Events

Snakes are amazing animals and not really scary at all. Come and join us to learn lots of neat things about snakes like how they move, smell, hear and eat. There will be live snakes that are found in Missouri to looks at and even touch. We will also go outside and try to find some snakes in their natural habitat. Participants should be prepared for a short walk on a crushed stone trail. Meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center. Register each child attending.

Join volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you make a wonderful Mother's Day gift. We encourage you to bring photos of your favorite native flower arrangements.

All supplies will be provided.

Snakes and lizards are really amazing animals. Because they are reptiles, they are much different than the animals we are most familiar with. Come and discover many incredible things about the snakes and lizards that live in Missouri. There will even be a live snake that you will be able to touch if you would like to. We will also go outside and try to find some snakes and lizards in their natural habitat.

Meet at Rockwoods Visitor Center. Be prepared to take a short walk on the Trail Among the Trees.

Please register each child attending.

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.

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.

*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.

Birds are singing! Flowers are blooming! Learn about the seasonal changes that spring brings to Rockwoods Reservation. We will take a 1-mile hike on the Rock Quarry Trail to explore the signs of spring using your 5 senses. This program is targeted to students 5-12 years of age. The hike will be on natural terrain and include uphill and downhill hiking.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

Please dress for the weather. Sunscreen, hats, closed toe shoes, and insect repellant are recommended.

Please register all participants attending individually. Children must be accompanied by an adult.