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.

Join us for an early morning 5-mile hike at the Marais Temps Clair (MTC) Conservation Area. Birds are most active in the early morning hours. This a great time of the year for a hike to see what lives in the marsh habitat of MTC. Please dress for the weather and bring water, a lunch, and binoculars for bird viewing.

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.

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.

Composting is the process of transforming organic scraps into nutrient rich garden fertilizer and it can start in your own kitchen! This talk will discuss the science of decomposition, common household methods and provide tips for getting started as well as preventing unwanted wildlife from visiting your compost pile. Extension Master Gardeners will be available for additional information.

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.

Join us at the Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! Stop by the front desk to pick up a question sheet, then take a self-guided hike along our scenic trails and play trivia along the way. All ages.

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.