Events

Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, explore the natural beauty of Wood Duck Swamp. Using the app and trail prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through Wood Duck Swamp to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!

Come visit during the month of May to see artwork from Wild Wanders, a local homeschool group, featured in our auditorium. This groups loves to meet up to hike, play, and learn about the outside world together. They believe that time in nature is valuable even on the not-so-beautiful days. Various artwork pieces will be represented.

Please welcome “Birds and Butterflies,

and Other Nature Scenes of Missouri” by artist Joseph Parish.

This exhibit is multimedia, with the various works being done in classic

watercolor, opaque watercolor (French Gouache), acrylic, oils, and

photography.

The work is inspired mostly from original photographs taken by the artist in

Missouri and the Midwest ranging from his own backyard to the Mississippi

Flyway.

If reptiles were superheroes, the skink would be The Flash! It is not easy get a good look at these sleek reptiles and usually we only catch a quick glimpse of their blue tail because they are so fast. Join us as we take some time to slow down and learn more about these common lizards and how they help us out.

With spring starting around the show-me state local swamps, glades, and forest floors will start to come alive with the colors of wildflowers. During this program learn about some of the wildflowers you may see when viewing these ecosystems and where you might find them in your area. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

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

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you are committing to attend all 12 monthly sessions, with the opportunity to complete 17 blocks.

Programs will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.

You will need to supply your own embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. We will have patterns, fabric, light boards, and Frixion pens available for tracing the patterns. A similar virtual program is also offered if you wish to provide your own supplies.

Join fly fishing enthusiast Michael Fiehler for a beginner’s guide to fly fishing. This hands on program will start you on a relaxing and rewarding journey as you explore basic casting techniques. No experience required and all equipment is provided. Please note there are two identical sessions of this program offered to better fit your schedule, please only register for one day. This program will be held largely outside, so please dress accordingly. In the event of rainy weather the program may be rescheduled.

What better way to announce summer than wading in a crystal-clear Ozark stream and fishing for smallmouth! Join the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center as we wade upstream to find some smallmouth bass ponds along the Whitewater River to fish. Pause briefly to enjoy the water or the early summer sun shining on your face. Bring watershoes, shorts that can get wet, and a change of clothes. The nature center will provide all fishing gear, but teens may bring their own fishing pole if they prefer. Further details will be provided closer to the date.