Missouri Department of Conservation offers FREE nature classes for outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities. Registration is required for most classes unless indicated. Click on the BLUE text for each class. MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.

Click to learn more about these seasonal topics:
Fall Colors ~ Spiders ~ EAGLES IN MO ~ Be Bear Aware ~ Fishing & Hunting

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Participants with disabilities should email the instructor when registering to discuss accommodations needed to participate. Support staff are usually allowed to attend to provide assistance, but instructors need prior notice.

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Nature Programs

Birds: Owls of Missouri – VIrtual Class

Date/Time: Friday, December 20, 2024, from 3-4 p.m.
Registration: Register Here
Location: ONLINE

Because of owls’ nocturnal lifestyles and their hunting of mice, rats and other rodents that can be pests for humans, these night-time birds are a fascinating and beneficial part of Missouri’s outdoors. At this online program, MDC Naturalist Morgan Wyatt will provide information about species of owls that are found in Missouri and will also have tips about how to identify their calls. This program is open to all ages.

Birds- Conservation Matinee: Flight of the Snow Geese

Date/Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, 1:00 PM-2:00PM
Registration: No Registration Required.
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Enjoy the warmth of our auditorium with a Nature Center Conservation Matinee. This month, we’re looking to those migratory snow geese that are so fascinating to watch! This beautiful film covers for the first time the incredible 2,500-mile migration story of snow geese from Hudson Bay to the Mississippi Delta.

Full – Nature Art- Paint & Sip: Upcycled Art

Date/Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, 5:00 PM-6:00PM
Registration: Join Waiting List Here
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Paint on the wild side! Join a Powder Valley naturalist for a unique Paint & Sip program. Try your hand at painting a winter nature scene featuring two northern cardinals on a trendy upcycled canvas: a vinyl record!

Amphibians and Reptiles-Snake Encounter

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 11:00 AM-11:30AM
Registration: No Registration Required.
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Hiking-New Year’s Eve Stroll to the Confluence

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 4:30 PM-6:00PM
Registration: Register Here
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Description of event: What better way to get refreshed for the New Year than to watch the last sunset of 2024 before taking a quiet stroll in the crisp winter night at Columbia Bottom? Watch the sun set before we start our walk to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Hiking- First day hike Strollers and Tots

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 10:00 AM- 11:00AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Load up the strollers and tots to kick off the new year on the trails of Powder Valley. We are going to start the new year by taking a short stroll on the paved 1/2-mile loop of Hickory Ridge Trail. Be sure to bundle up tight!

Hiking- First Day Hike

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 11:00 AM-12:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Kick off the new year right with a hike! Meet one of the Powder Valley naturalists at the Hickory Ridge trailhead and embark on a hilly romp through our forest. Enjoy several educational stops to hear about some of the local wildlife that call the area home and learn about the benefits of what a hike can do for you.

“Hiking 101” virtual classes:

Every Friday in January, hop online to learn how to hike. Each program will take place from 12 – 1 p.m. to introduce participants to essential hiking skills and gear, safety tips, and insights into beginner-friendly trails in the St. Louis region. All programs are free and open to all ages, however online registration is required to participate.

• Hiking 101: Getting Started: Jan. 3, 2025 – This program will cover the basics of hiking, including safety, gear, resources and where to go.  Register Here
• Hiking 101: Cold Weather Hiking:  Jan. 10, 2025 – Winter hiking can be intimating, but this session will cover ways to stay warm, stay safe, and highlight a few St. Louis-area trails that are especially interesting in the winter.  Register Here
• Hiking 101: There’s an App for That: Jan. 17, 2025 – This program will highlight some great apps and websites for planning, tracking, and contributing to citizen science while hiking or spending time outdoors.  Register Here
• Hiking 101: Hiking with Kids, Jan. 31, 2025 – This session will cover the basics of hiking with kids of all ages – from babies and toddlers to tweens and teens.  Register Here

Virtual Venomous Snake Feeding

Date/Time: Friday, January 3, 2025, 6:00 PM-6:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Virtual
Description of event: Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of Missouri venomous snakes! Join Powder Valley naturalists virtually for the feeding of our captive snakes while learning more about the interesting lives of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.

Owl Prowl

Date/Time: Friday, January 3, 2025, 6:30 PM-8:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Description of event: Who’s that hooting it up each January evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us.

Dresser Island Hike

Date/Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 9:00 AM-3:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Dresser Island Conservation Area
Description of event: Discover Dresser Island, a winter wildlife haven. We will hike 5 miles (with an option for 2 miles) along the Mississippi River in search of a variety of wildlife including eagles, pelicans, waterfowl, muskrats, deer, and many others.

Winter Walk

Date/Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 12:00 PM-1:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Winter is where the magic happens! Join a naturalist for a 2/3 mile walk on Powder Valley’s Broken Ridge trail. Learn about what some of our wildlife is up to in December, enjoy scenic winter views, and discover the magic of a winter walk.

Conservation Matinee: Eagles in Missouri

Date/Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 10:00 AM-10:30AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Feeling chilly on the trails? Warm up inside with a conservation matinee! Bald Eagles were effectively extinct in Missouri in the early 1960’s. But hard work and dedication helped bring them back. It’s a success we celebrate each winter in Missouri at Eagle Days events around the state.

Amphibians and Reptiles- Feeding Frenzy

Date/Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 2:00 PM-2:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of some of our display ambassador animals! Watch as one of the nature center naturalists feeds our alligator snapping turtle and discover how they take care of some of the unique critters in the building by asking questions during an open Q & A.

Nature Photography with a Phone

Date/Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 3:00 PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Take photos like a pro with only your phone! Join a naturalist for a small hike to practice and perfect the art of taking breathtaking nature photography using only your smartphone. Practice skills in real time with your own phone with instruction from your guide. This walk will take place on Tanglevine Trail, which measures to be 1/3-mile-long flat loop.

Amphibians and Reptiles- Live Animal Encounter

Date/Time: Friday, January 10, 2025, 11:00 AM-12:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
Description of event: Join us for a meet and greet of some of our resident live animals, and even see some eat their lunch! We will discuss what makes these critters so cool, and the important jobs they have.

Owl Prowl

Date/Time: Friday, January 10, 2025, 6:30 PM- 8:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
Description of event: Who’s that hooting it up each January evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us.

Art in the Park: Canvas & Cocoa

Date/Time: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10:00 AM-1:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stupp Center
Description of event: Join Missouri Department of Conservation as we present an afternoon of nature and art! Our urban habitats feature many great natural inspirations for artists on all levels. Learn about nature in the city, then create a piece of inspiration to take home.

Babes in the Woods- Helping Critters in the Winter

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 9:00 AM-10:00AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: What do the critter need in the winter? How can we help them survive the cold weather outside? Join us to create some healthy snacks to decorate a tree outdoors for our critter friends.

Conservation Kids- Helping Critters in the Winter

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 10:00 AM-11:00AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: What do the critter need in the winter? How can we help them survive the cold weather outside? Join us to create some healthy snacks to decorate a tree outdoors for our critter friends.

Amphibians and Reptiles-Snake Encounter

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 11:00 AM-11:30AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Hibernation and Brumation

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1:00 PM-2:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Where do all the animals go in the wintertime? What are they doing while they’re hiding away? Learn all about hibernation and brumation and meet some of Powder Valley’s ambassador animals!

Winter Woodpeckers

Date/Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, 3:00 PM-4:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Virtual
Description of event: Join us as we discuss some of Missouri’s most recognizable and charismatic birds- woodpeckers! We will explore each of the 7 native species of woodpeckers found in Missouri and how to identify them by sight and sound.

Conservation Trivia Night

Date/Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, 6:00 PM-8:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: How well do you know Missouri wildlife? Assemble your team and test your knowledge with questions hand-picked by an array of conservation professionals. Grab your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and join us for a night of fun.

Valley View and the Four Seasons Hike

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 9:00 AM-12:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Valley View Glades Trailhead
Description of event: Join a naturalist on a guided 2.6-mile hike through Valley View Glades Natural Area in Hillsboro, Missouri. Hikes will be held during all four seasons in 2025, and we will discuss the changes happening on this beautiful and diverse trail throughout the year! Keep an eye out for more dates to come! Please note: this is a rugged, natural-surface trail that may not be suitable for beginner hikers.

Ask a Naturalist

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10:00 AM-11:30AM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:30PM-3:00PM: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Bring all your wildlife and conservation related questions to Powder Valley. A knowledgeable naturalist will be ready to answer any questions you may have.

Wildlife-Live Animal Encounter

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 12:00 PM-12:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Come meet one of the ambassador animals that call Powder Valley home. We will discuss what roles these animals play in their ecosystems as well as some fun facts. See you there!

Eagle Explorations

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:00 PM-3:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Description of event: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a great place to view bald eagles during the cold winter months. Enjoy an exploration of the area as we search for these majestic birds along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers with binoculars and spotting scopes. Meet at the classroom building to learn some interesting facts about bald eagles before we begin our drive.

Knot-Tying for Beginners

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 9:30 AM-11:30AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Join us at the nature center for a lesson on knot-tying. All supplies will be provided.

Hiking- Engelmann Woods

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1:00 PM-2:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Join an MDC naturalist on a 1.5-mile trek through Engelmann Woods Natural Area. This area is a rich forest community on the edge of Franklin and St. Louis County. This area provides an excellent hiking trail that conveys trekkers through both the higher ridges and low-laying creek beds of the area.

Snake Encounter

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 11:00 AM-11:30AM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

An Evening with Raptors Program

Date/Time: Friday, January 24, 2025, 7:00 PM-9:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Join Powder Valley staff as area falconers gather to offer the rare chance to observe and learn about these fascinating feathered hunters. Listen as a new falconer explains her journey to get started in this age-old sport.

VIRTUAL OPTION: An Evening with Raptors Program

Date/Time: Friday, January 24, 2025, 7:00 PM-8:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Virtual
Description of event: Register here for the VIRTUAL portion of the Evening with Raptors program.

Nature Crocheters – Snowflakes

Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10:00 AM-12:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stupp Center
Description of event: Crochet is a great hobby to connect with nature whether crocheting outside in nature, or crocheting a nature project! At this Nature Crocheters session, we’ll learn about what’s happening in nature now that winter has fully arrived. Then we will crochet a granny square snowflake that can be used as a coaster or the foundation of a crochet blanket, bag, or even pillowcase!

Nature Crocheters – Nature Rx

Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 1:00 PM-3:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stupp Center
Description of event: The start of the new year is a great time to learn a new skill or hobby! Crochet is a great activity to connect with nature whether crocheting while in nature or crocheting a nature project! At this Nature Crocheters session, we will learn how to do basic crochet stitches in preparation for future sessions. We will learn the basic stitches including chain, single crochet, and double crochet, and then take some time to practice our new skills.

Explor Game Night

Date/Time: Friday, January 31, 2025, 6:00 PM-8:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: Winter blues? Stuck inside? Come on over to Powder Valley for a game night! See the Nature Center at night and try out Explor – The Game! Featured in the December 2024 issue of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Explor Magazine, this nature-based board game is free and fun for the whole family! Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time, including children.

FISHING & HUNTING

Fishing Programs

Learn to Fish- All About Trout! Lesson 1 & 2

Location: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
Date/Time: Thursday, January 2, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 8:00 AM-10:00PM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Register Here!
Date/Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Register Here!

Location: Forest Park Hatchery, Saint Louis, MO 63110
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 8-10: Register Here!

Description of event: *Lesson 1 is not required to attend lesson 2*. Welcome to the first ever “All About Trout,” program put on in the St. Louis region. This is a Traditional fishing class, meaning we will be using traditional “Ultra-Light,” fishing gear and lures to fish for Rainbow Trout.

Women in the Woods: Women’s Fly-Fishing

Date/Time: Sunday, January 12, 2025, 10:30 AM-12:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
Description of event: If you’re looking for an opportunity to get outside this winter with the gals, this is the program for you! Whether you’re an avid fly-fisher or have never tried it and always wanted to learn, join us for a fun afternoon of trout fishing on the lake at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

Basics of Muskie Fishing

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:00 PM-7:30PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Description of event: If you have ever thought about fishing for muskie but did not know where to begin this is the program for you. During this introductory class members of the Shawnee Muskie Hunters and the Pomme de Terre Chapter of Muskies Inc will cover the following: what muskies eat, what tackle and lures work best, where and when to fish for muskies in MO and IL, and what techniques to use.

Camp Hellbender: Winter Edition

Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, 10:00 AM-3:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
Description of event: Join us at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area for the first ever Winter Edition of Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! Camp Hellbender is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region that MDC has to offer!

MDC was able to stock lakes with trout at the beginning of the season, prior to the flood event.Stocked lakes are located in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Union City Lake, and the five select lakes on the August. A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. These lakes include:

• August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area (Lakes 3, 7, 21, 22, and 23)
• Boathouse Lake – Carondelet Park in St. Louis City
• O’Fallon Park Lake in St. Louis City
• January-Wabash in Ferguson
• Koeneman Park Lake in Jennings
• Suson Park – Carp and Island Lakes in St. Louis County
• Tilles Park Lake in St. Louis County
• Union City Park Lake in Union, Franklin County
• Walker Lake in Kirkwood
• Vlasis Park Lake in Ballwin

Between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31, some lakes are catch-and-release only, and some are catch-and-keep.  After Feb. 1, trout may be harvested from all lakes.  Anglers can find information on specific winter trout lakes statewide at this Link to Trout Lakes in MO, or check regulations posted at the lakes.  All trout anglers between age 16 and 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit to participate.  Anglers wishing to catch and keep trout must also possess a trout permit regardless of age. Stay up to date with stocking information is by calling MDC’s Fish Stocking Hotline at 636-300-9651. Information

Hunting and Shooting Sports

Rifle Reloading

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 5:00 PM-7:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: August A Busch Shooting Range
Description of event: Want to get into reloading rifle ammunition but think it is too complicated, this is the class for you. This is a class to help the reloader who would like to move from reloading handgun ammunition to rifle ammunition. We will cover safety, equipment, and the knowledge needed to reload rifle ammunition.

Basic Firearm Safety

Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, 10:00 AM-12:00PM
Registration: Register Here!
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Description of event: Are you interested in the shooting sports, but have no experience? Here’s your opportunity! All necessary equipment will be provided.

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Eagles

Eagles of Missouri:

Learn more about bald eagles in Missouri from the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.

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