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: NEW FEATURE: Birding
Fall Colors ~ Spiders ~ Eagles ~ Bears ~ Fishing & Hunting ~ Birding
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.
Nature Programs
“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: 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
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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.
Learning Archery: Bow Winterization
Date: Saturday, January 18 from 9-11am –
VIrtual Class – Register Here
After you’ve completed a season of archery hunting, knowing how to store your bow is important so it can be an effective hunting tool for next season and many after that. People who are interested in learning more about how to store their bow and other archery equipment away until the next hunting season arrives should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program. This free program will be from 9-11 a.m. and is being taught by the staff at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.
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: No Registration Needed – Information Here
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:30PM-3:00PM: No Registration Needed – Information 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: No Registration Needed – Information 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: Join Wait iIst
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: Join Wait List
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: No Registration Needed – Information 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.
Art in the Park: Canvas & Cocoa
Date/Time: Rescheduled from Jan 11 due to inclement weather:
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 12:30 AM-3:00PM – Program is Full
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.
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 23, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Program is Full
Date/Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9:00 AM-11:00AM: Program is Full
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.
Camp Hellbender: Winter Edition
Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, 10:00 AM-3:00PM
Registration: Program is Full
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!
Enjoy Winter Trout Season at MDC-Stocked Lakes
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
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.
Youth Upland Bird Hunt and Clinic
Dates: Training on February 4, Managed Hunt on Febrtuary 15.
Ages 11-15 years old
The mandatory clinic is Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center at 3550 Route D in Defiance, approximately five miles west of Highway 94. The hunt will follow Saturday, Feb. 15 and take place at the Missouri Gun and Quail Club located in Wright City. All hunters must attend the clinic to participate in the hunt. This is a hunt with a mentor and is a good way for youth to learn to hunt who may not know how to get started in hunting. The clinic will teach the basics of upland hunting with emphasis on ring-necked pheasants. The class will discuss safety, what kind of clothing is best to wear, firearm use, ammunition, and other equipment you’ll need. It will also cover hunting techniques, biology aspects of the birds, along with quail and pheasant habitat. The hunt and clinic are free of charge, but advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4HYj.
Eagles
Eagles of Missouri, Eagle Days 2025: www.mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days
Birds: Eagle Explorations
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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. We will take a short walk and spend time outside of the vehicles, so please remember to dress warmly!
Birds: Bald Eagles in Missouri (VIRTUAL)
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us as we discuss the history and characteristics of Bald Eagles in Missouri. This state has one of the largest populations of nesting birds in the entire country, and this number continues to grow.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Eagle lovers of all ages are invited to the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton on February 8, 2025. Did you know the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles? They are drawn to areas of open water in search of fish, their preferred food. The colder the weather, the better the chances of seeing them fish, ride ice floes, soar overhead and roost in nearby trees! Visitors are welcome to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers. The World Bird Sanctuary will be providing live Bald Eagle programs and chances to see Bald Eagles up close throughout the day. Visitors can learn the fascinating story behind these amazing raptors with the additional opportunity of two Eagle Meet and Greet events at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. where participants can see an eagle up close and get a photo taken with World Bird Sanctuary naturalists and their eagle companions. Eagle presentation: 9:15, 10:00, 11:30, 12:15, 1:45, 2:30; Eagle meet and greet: 10:45, 1:00.
Learn more about bald eagles in Missouri from the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/
Missouri Birding Challenge
The Challenge is for both new and experienced birders. Get prepared through webinars on birds and birding, including how to get started and how to help birds.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) invite both new and experienced birders to join the first ever Missouri Birding Challenge — May 1-15!
Missouri Birding Challenge participants will compete alone or on a team in different birding categories based on their ages, birding experience, and comfort levels. Birders will use eBird (eBird.org) to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards. Once participants complete a category, they will be entered into a drawing for fun, bird-related prizes such as binoculars and gift cards. There is a fee of $10-$25 per person or team depending on the category. Fees go toward migratory bird conservation efforts.
Learn more about the Challenge and related topics at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/
Get Prepared Through Birding Webinars
MDC and partners invite new and experienced birders to prepare for the Missouri Birding Challenge in May by joining the Missouri Birding Challenge Webinar Series on various birding topics. The webinars will introduce participants to birding and educate them on key issues around birds and bird conservation in Missouri.
Register in advance for each webinar and then join the webinar live. Registered attendees will receive a reminder email before the webinar.
Introduction and Benefits to Birding with MDC Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre – Thursday, Jan 16, 6-7 p.m. New to birding? No idea where to start? Wondering what all the fuss is about? No problem! Kristen will walk attendees through the basics of birding, how to get started, and why birding is so beneficial to our health. Learn why we need birds, and birds need us! Register in advance at Register Here
Birds: Backyard Birds in Winter – Tuesday, January 28 from 12 noon-1 p.m. Feeding birds in your backyard in winter is a great way to learn about the variety of bird species that can be found in this region. People can learn more about bird species that can be attracted to backyards at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program This online program will be will have information on the types of feeders that will attract a variety of species to your yard. A bird identification game using bird calls will also be played as part of this program, which is open to all ages. Register Here
eBird and Citizen Science with USFWS Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick – Thursday, Feb 13, 6-7 p.m. Join Sarah to learn about eBird, a massive online database that logs birders’ sightings and is now a major contributor to bird conservation science. Learn how to use eBird to log bird sightings and how this data source is revolutionizing how we see the magic of migration and tracking bird population trends over time. Register in advance at Register Here
Missouri Birds and Habitats with USFWS Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick – Thursday, March 6, 6-7 p.m. Does birdwatching seem overwhelming? Too many species and habitats? Join Sarah for a primer on bird identification by sight and sound using clues about the bird and its habitat. Whether new to birding or experienced, there are always tips and tricks to learn in the world of birds. Register in advance at Register Here
The Full Annual Cycle of Bird Conservation with MDC Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre — Thursday, April 3, 6-7 p.m. Join Kristen to learn about the incredible journeys that Missouri’s migratory birds make every year. Learn where these birds go, why, and how researchers are investigating the full annual cycle of migratory birds to better understand, and hopefully reverse, troubling declines in bird populations. Register in advance at Register Here
Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds at Home with Dana Ripper of the Missouri River Bird Observatory, Thursday, May 1, 6-7 p.m. Birds are in trouble. Research shows a loss of nearly a third of North American birds over that past 50 years. Don’t lose hope! Learn how to help bird populations at home and how to make a big impact with just seven simple actions. Register in advance at Register Here
BEARS
Black Bears in Missouri and How to Be Bear Aware
It seems black bears are making the news in the St. Louis region each spring as they are beginning to show up more and more in the area. Since bears are becoming a more common part of the Missouri landscape, especially if travelling to the southern parts of the state, it makes sense to learn more about them. Stay safe in bear country, and keep our bears wild. mdc.mo.gov/bearaware
