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 back at Powder Valley! In Powder Valley's new mission, you must complete challenges about the changes that the spring season brings to nature center!

From March 14th - May 11th you can play more missions around Missouri for a chance to win fun prizes and a Mission Conservation lanyard, pins, and a Missouri Explorer badge, how cool!

Agents of Discovery is a free to play mobile game that aims to educate and lets you show off your nature knowledge to win prizes!

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

Our nature center Nature Needlers participants will exhibit their quilting blocks in our lobby in April 2025.

Nature Needlers is a class that meets once each month, all year long. Come check out the beautiful, embroidery techniques of Missouri wildflowers and other designs.

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. The exhibit is on view through June 30. No registration required. 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

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (April 9 & 23).

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plant-webinars (adults) Adding native plants to any size property supports wildlife with food and shelter. Join guest expert, Gavin Schaefer, and explore Green Roof Gardens in Kansas City. Learn native plants that are adapted to the difficult conditions of a rooftop and wildlife that benefit from these plantings. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.

164 Bales Rd, Cook Sta, Mo 65449

Drive through gate and up the hill for 0.7 miles and the conference room will be on your left.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.