Events

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Urban Nature Photo Contest, inviting community members of all ages to capture the beauty of Missouri’s native plants, trees, and wildlife—right here on the scenic grounds of Powder Valley. This contest celebrates the diversity of the natural world found in our own backyard and encourages participants to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment around them.

All photos submitted must be taken on-site at Powder Valley and should highlight native Missouri species. Participants are asked to follow area regulations, treat nature with care, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, and avoid harming any plants or habitats while photographing. The contest is open to everyone, and entries will be divided into two categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) and Adult (ages 18 and up).

To enter, please submit your photographs to Lauren Baker at Lauren.Baker@mdc.mo.gov by April 30, 2025. Beginning May 3, all eligible entries will be on public display in the nature center’s art gallery, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs in person. Winners from each category will receive prizes and may have their work featured in future Powder Valley exhibits and across the Missouri Department of Conservation’s social media platforms.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos:

• Photograph 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.

• Fill the frame with the subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging than subjects seen from a distance.

• Consider using a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in native plants, and a host of tiny and fascinating insects and pollinators.

• Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Photographers can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, explore the trails, and connect with nature.

Bill Palmer's interest in the outdoors began in the 1950s on a small farm in Montgomery County. As a boy he spent time stalking rabbits and watching birds such as bobwhite quail which were plentiful on the farm. These early adventures became the foundation for his lifelong love and appreciation of nature. Bill Palmer's photographs may be viewed in the Runge main lobby thru Saturday, June 28. 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. The exhibit is on view through June 30. No registration required. All ages

Come check out this month's artist spotlight: Sarah Geringer. Artwork will remain up for the duration of the month in our lobby.

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 (May 14 & 28).

Join us for Summer Guided Fish Hatchery Tours at the newly reopened Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center! Tours will be Tuesday through Friday at 10AM,11AM,1PM, and 2PM, starting May 27th until August 29th. Tours will begin inside the building at the large Trout Aquarium and then move outside to the raceways. Tours last approximately 30-40 minutes. No registration required.

*PLEASE NOTE the Conservation Education Center and Fish Hatchery will be CLOSED on June 19th and July 4th in observation of state holidays.

Contact staff for any questions at Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov or (417) 334-4865 ext. 0

Join us to learn about planning, planting, and maintaining a native plant bed. Work alongside conservation staff as we wake up a native pollinator garden for the season and make a tasty pesto from the "weeds" in the bed.

Come prepared to work outdoors and pull some weeds at this hands-on workshop. Bug spray and hand tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Take home the knowledge to identify some common "weeds" and ways to use them for food.

Now that school is out, it is important to keep children’s minds filled with the wonder of the natural world. The best place to start is at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Join a naturalist for stroll filled with trail games, exploration, and informative discussions about getting kids outside. Let this summer be your best one yet!

SSSsssnakes are ssspecial! Slither in to learn about different types of snakes that live at the Nature Center. You will discover what snakes eat, how they protect themselves, and which habitats are their favorites. Ages 3–6. Registration required.

Join us to learn about planning, planting, and maintaining a native plant bed. Work alongside conservation staff as we wake up a native pollinator garden for the season and make a tasty pesto from the "weeds" in the bed.

Come prepared to work outdoors and pull some weeds at this hands-on workshop. Bug spray and hand tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Take home the knowledge to identify some common "weeds" and ways to use them for food.