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

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

Runge is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Missouri artist Terry Martin.

"I was fortunate to grow up in Missouri where there were lakes, streams, and rivers to explore. I had a bicycle and a fishing rod (a fortunate son)! As a boy, I was up at daylight each day and home when it got dark. I developed more and more of an interest in the wildlife and geography of my surroundings."

Terry Martin's art can be viewed in the main lobby of the nature center through April 30. No registration required. All ages

Root head decoys were early duck decoys made from driftwood or dead tree logs for the body, and tree roots and limbs for the head. Jim Barksdale's carvings, located in the Runge west hallway, demonstrate his efforts to simulate these historic and creative works of art. No registration required. All ages

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).

Join us for Spring Break guided Hatchery tours at the newly reopened Conservation Education Center! Tours are held Tuesday through Saturday at 11AM and 1PM. Tours will begin inside at the large Trout Aquarium and then move outside to the raceways. Tours last approximately 30-40 minutes. No registration required.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

Virtual -Advanced crappie fishing clinic

Are you tired of seeing all the Facebook post of other folks catching crappie? While your fishing trips have been uneventful? Do you want to learn some advance crappie fishing techniques and strategies? Do you want to increase your knowledge of modern fishing electronic? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you! We are partnering with Brad Shockley of I Am Outdoors and other local crappie fishing guides on area lakes to host a workshop educating crappie anglers on fishing techniques that will take your next fishing trip to a whole new level.

Workshop includes:

- Current regulations with an emphasis on Lake Pomme De Terre, Stockton, Table Rock, and Fellows Lakes

- Crappie fishing methods and equipment

• Doddle socking

• Spider rigging

• Dock fishing

• Using live bait

• Jigging

- Patterns and associated techniques

- Lure selection for each season

- How to fish a brush pile

- How to fish standing timber

- Locating crappie – analyzing a lake map

- Introduction to modern electronics

Crappie is one of the most sought-after fish by anglers in Missouri, give yourself an advantage on the lake. Each participant will receive some proven tackle to try on their next crappie fishing adventure!

A Webex link to view the program will be sent out 24hrs before the program!

When: March 13th, 2025

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

If you have any questions, please contact Lyle Whittaker at Lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov or call (417) 895-6880 Ext. 1644

Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.