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.

Artwork on display in lobby.

Come visit during the month of June to see artwork from Perryville High School featured in our auditorium.

Patricia Littlefield is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau with a passion for art and birds. She is "Committed to promoting conservation through art." It is her hope that through art she can inspire a love for birds and nature in others, especially young people.

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.

Like most beginner fly anglers, do you struggle with the art of fly casting? Have you learned the skill in the past but have grown a little rusty? Join us at the Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center to learn, or relearn, the basics of fly casting. In this class we will focus on the mechanics and techniques of fly casting. We will also cover rod and line selection as it relates to casting and then practice, practice, practice! You will need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to bring it or we will provide equipment for you to use.

This is an introductory course on how to shoot 5-stand. You will learn safety, stance, etiquette, and technique. We will proceed to live fire on the 5-stand course. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided.

If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.

Prairie, prairie, quite contrary, how do your grasses grow? “Quite well,” the prairie answers. Prairies are home to some amazing wildflowers and grasses that make a beautiful natural garden. Learn about this amazing habitat on National Prairie Day, create some cool crafts and participate in prairie-themed activities to celebrate the day. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

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 the second and fourth Wednesday (June 12 & 26).