Events

Basic Youth archery class utilizing the methodologies and protocols promoted by NASP Ar chery. (All equipment is provided: please do not bring personal bow unless it is a Genesis) Please arrive 15-30 minutes early for registration each session. You are not required to attend all sessions. Youth 17 years or younger without a parent/guardian present are required to leave emergency contact information during registration. Questions? Contact MDC Lieutenant Jason Braunecker at (816)-262-3506

Agents of Discovery is a mobile game app that lets you explore nature in a new way. Our new game at Runge is a scavenger hunt you play on your phone. Find QR codes in our exhibit gallery and learn how birds use their beaks and bills like people use tools. Answer all the questions to win. Come to the front desk to claim your prize! No registration required although you do need to download the Agents of Discovery app to your phone. All ages

Join us for our monthly stroll along the trails of Powder Valley to enjoy the seasonal wonders of nature. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will we encounter? We will discuss all the new wonders we discover in this particular time of year. Dress for the weather.

Building bird houses is a great way to support your backyard birds. In this program you will learn the basics of backyard birding, bird house maintenance, and craft skills. You will leave with your completed bird house, birding guides, and a positive attitude. See you there!

One bird house per household.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call 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.

Any time can be a great time to fish. Now that the weather is turning warm and Spring fishing season is in full force. Now is the time to brush up on those fish-cleaning skills. This session will focus on cleaning scaled fish like crappie, bass, and perch. We will look at some of the common equipment needed and common methods of cleaning these fish.

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 (March 12 & 26).

Spring is here, and the toms are strutting—it's turkey season! For generations, Missourians have enjoyed chasing these elusive birds. Join us as we dive into the essentials of turkey hunting, from calling and scouting to choosing locations, equipment, techniques, and more.

Spring is here, and the toms are strutting—it's turkey season! For generations, Missourians have enjoyed chasing these elusive birds. Join us as we dive into the essentials of turkey hunting, from calling and scouting to choosing locations, equipment, techniques, and more. Virtual link will be sent out the week before the class.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month all year long, though you may join at any time. You will learn to use simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques to stitch quilt blocks of some of the iconic Native Wildflowers of Missouri Ozarks- such as butterfly milkweed, eastern blazing star, and blue bells. At each class you will learn about one of the plants and it history, habitat preferences, and its importance to Missouri. Classes will be held on either the first or second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Ozark Regional Office Building in West Plains. At 551 Joe Jones Blvd West Plains MO, 65775. The thread colors needed that month. Block templates and information cards will be provided at the class.

Please be aware that signing up means you will attempt to come to all 12 meetings.