Find information on these and other Missouri plants and animals with this MDC online Field Guide: mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide.

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Click to learn more about these seasonal topics:
Poison Ivy ~ Hummingbirds ~ Keeping Wildlife Wild
Spiders ~ Eagles ~ Be Bear Aware ~ Fishing ~ Birding
Groundhogs ~ Maple Sugaring ~ Vultures
Morel Mushrooms ~Spring Trees ~ Stream Teams
Frogging ~ Collared Lizards

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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.

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.

August 2026

Special Event: Peanut’s Birthday Bash
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center World Famous Peanut the Turtle is turning 42 this year! Come to Powder Valley to help her celebrate this special day. The Nature Center lobby will be turning into a birthday party fit for a turtle! We will have crafts, coloring, litter pledges, and more! Be sure to come say “Happy Birthday” to the world’s coolest turtle! Registration for this event is greatly appreciated.

Insects: Monarch Caterpillar Bracelets
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office
Did you know that monarch butterflies are magnificent migrators and can travel up to 3,000 miles each fall? Join us to learn about monarch migration and what you can do to help monarch butterflies. We’ll even make our own monarch caterpillar bracelets to help remind us of these impressive insects even after they’ve headed south for the winter! Please register each participant individually.

Nature Art: Nature Crafternoon
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office
Beat the heat by spending the afternoon indoors flexing your creative muscles and making nature crafts! This program is for artists of all ages, and there will be a variety of crafts to choose from. Please register each participant individually.

September 2026

Amphibians and Reptiles: Snake Encounter
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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.

Spiders: Spidering at Powder Valley
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Spiders may seem a little freaky at first, but that’s part of what makes them so fascinating. Once you get to know them, you’ll find that most are completely harmless and truly remarkable. In this people-friendly program, we’ll explore a variety of habitats at Powder Valley Nature Center, searching for and observing several species of harmless spiders. Spidering requires dry weather conditions.

Babes in the Woods: Bug Hunt 
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Join us this month for Babes in the Woods: Bug Hunt. Let’s explore the gardens and woods for creeping and crawling bugs on the ground and plants, and those flying in the air! How many legs do the different creatures have? How many different colors are bugs? What sounds do they make? How many will we find? Meet in the classroom and dress for the weather.

Conservation Kids: Bug Hunt 
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Join us this month for Conservation Kids: Bug Hunt. Let’s explore the gardens and woods for creeping and crawling bugs on the ground and plants, and those flying in the air! How many legs do the different creatures have? How many different colors are bugs? What sounds do they make? How many will we find? Meet in the classroom and dress for the weather.

Little Acorns: Tree Story
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
There can be a whole world inside a single tree, from bugs to birds to lichens… come discover it with us! Join us for a storybook reading, craft, and hands-on activities that will show your little one how important trees are from their roots to their leaves. This program is designed for children ages 2-5, but siblings and family members of all ages are welcome.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Snake Encounter
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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.

Conservation Adults: Nature Book Club
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
When you look out at your flower garden do you thank a bee, fly, bat, hummingbird, moth or any other of the pollinators that pollinate the flowers, without which we would not have 75 percent of our fruits and vegetables. When the Earth Was Green, Plants, Animals, and Evolution’s Greatest Romance, by Riley Black describes the evolution of plants from the beginning before when they started photosynthesizing which led to oxygen breathing animals to evolve.

Hiking: Walk Before Work
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:45 – 7:30 am
Location: Tower Grove Park- Roman Pavilion
Start your day off with movement and join us at Tower Grove Park for a walk before work! We’ll meet at the Roman Pavilion and go on a short 45-minute walk through the park, learning a little about the plants and animals along the way. We’ll end promptly at 7:30am, so everyone can get to work on time. Please register each participant individually.

Native Plants: Homeschool: Seeds on the Move 
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Flowers can’t walk, swim, or fly, so how do they spread to different places? Learn about pollination, seed dispersal, parts of flowers, and types of seeds through games and hands-on exploration. Outside, students will see what seeds are really moving on the area’s trails. Seeds on the Move is designed to meet the needs of students in the kindergarten to second grade education level. This program is designed to fit the needs of homeschool families but is open to the public regardless of schooling status.

Wildlife: Creature Feature: Sunfish 
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Online Only
Tune into this month’s Creature Feature as we slip below the surface to peer into the aquatic world of Missouri’s sunfish. Sunfish are a diverse group of fish that are readily found throughout the state. For many anglers these little fishes are the gateway to a lifelong passion.

Birds: Doves and Pigeons
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:00 am -12:00 pm
Location: Online Only
Missouri is home to several species of both native and introduced doves and pigeons. In this virtual program, we will discuss how to identify each species that has been documented in the state by both sight and sound. We will also discuss dove hunting here in Missouri. This program will be held virtually. A link will be sent both the day before and morning of the program to your email address provided during registration.

Nature Art: Needle Felting: Raccoons
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Raccoons are pretty rad! Join a Powder Valley naturalist to learn about Missouri’s cutest dumpster divers, then create your own little raccoon to take home using needle felting, the art of sculpting shapes with wool. Participants must be 14 years of age or older as we will be using sharp materials. Only participants within the designated age range should attend. This helps ensure the activities are developmentally appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for all involved.

Nature Art: Fall Sunflowers and Pumpkin Paint by Number
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026, 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
As the leaves begin to change and fall approaches, take a moment to reminisce about the warmth and beauty of summer with a floral envelope paint by number kit. Participants will learn why we plant sunflowers. Then create a radiant work of art while enjoying a relaxing, creative activity that brings back a favorite summertime moment.

Nature Art: Nature Banner Painting
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is home to an abundance of beautiful native plants which can inspire your creativity. Come outdoors to capture the russet hues of tall grasses and the gold of wildflowers. We supply all materials. Meet at the classroom building by taking the first road to the left after entrance gate.

Nature Art: Nature Writing
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how to turn your own observations of the natural world into powerful writing. We’ll begin with simple exercises to sharpen your observation skills and try different approaches to writing about Missouri’s fish, forests, and wildlife. You’ll respond to practice writing prompts individually, in pairs, and as a group, and then we’ll finish with a reflective hike, pausing along the trail to write in the beauty of nature.

Hiking: Birding Hike
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Come join us for a relaxing hike on Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation as we identify some of our local Missouri birds by sight and sound along the way. Whether you’re just curious about birding and looking to get started or have been doing it for a while, all are welcome to join!

Birds: Beginner Birding
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Join us for a beginner bird ID program and discover the various feathered visitors you’re likely to encounter throughout the year in the state of Missouri. This program reviews 30+ common Missouri birds, their physical characteristics, and what foods they’re attracted to. Also, tips will be provided on how to create a bird-friendly environment to attract birds to your backyard.

Hiking: Birding Hike
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Come join us for a relaxing hike on Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation as we identify some of our local Missouri birds by sight and sound along the way. Whether you’re just curious about birding and looking to get started or have been doing it for a while, all are welcome to join! Also, check out the Beginner Birding program we’ll be offering earlier that day and register for it separately if interested in attending.

Conservation Adults: Columbia Bottom Senior Picnic
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Now that the summer heat is gone, cooler September days remind us that it is time to visit Columbia Bottom to enjoy the colors of fall in the landscape. Learn about native plants growing near the visitor center and some of the birds frequently seen over the area. Meet at the visitor center. Bring a sack lunch. Water, coffee, and dessert will be provided.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Snake Encounter
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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.

Nature Art: Backyard Winter Bird Photography with Richard Day
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Birds are one of the most abundant types of wildlife, and for that reason, bird photography is very popular. With a little bit of careful planning and practice, anyone with a yard or even just a local green space, can take great close-up photos of birds. This event is made possible through a partnership between the Missouri Nature and Environmental Photographers (MONEP) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and is open to all.

Conservation Families: Pollinator Palooza
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Weldon Springs Site Interpretive Center
Join us for an educational pollinator festival! Discover how we can all help Missouri’s pollinators and support pollinator habitat in our own backyards. Enjoy kids’ crafts, games, educational activities and native garden demonstrations. Native plants, arts and crafts, food and more will be available for purchase from local vendors. Don’t miss this fun, FREE, family event. No reservations required. For questions contact the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center at WSInterpretiveCenter@lm.doe.gov or 636-300-2601.

Nature Art: Needle Felting: Raccoons
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Raccoons are pretty rad! Join a Powder Valley naturalist to learn about Missouri’s cutest dumpster divers, then create your own little raccoon to take home using needle felting, the art of sculpting shapes with wool. Participants must be 14 years of age or older as we will be using sharp materials. Only participants within the designated age range should attend. This helps ensure the activities are developmentally appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for all involved.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Snake Encounter
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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.

Trees: Leaf ID and Tote Bag Leaf Prints
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Tower Grove Park-New Comfort Station
Come anytime within this time frame to discover some common Missouri trees their fruit and leaves in Tower Grove Park. Learn more about how our trees are used and their importance in nature. We will be creating leaf print canvas bags using fabric paint and leaves to commemorate the natural beauty and foliage of summer!

Hiking: Walk Before Work
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 6:45 – 7:30 am
Location: Tower Grove Park- Roman Pavilion
Start your day off with movement and join us at Tower Grove Park for a walk before work! We’ll meet at the Roman Pavilion and go on a short 45-minute walk through the park, learning a little about the plants and animals along the way. We’ll end promptly at 7:30am, so everyone can get to work on time. Please register each participant individually.

Wild Edibles: Pawpaw Cheesecake
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 10:30 am -1:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
This program is part of our year-long Wild Edible Plants series, with each month highlighting a different plant part or type of wild edible. In this program, we’ll focus on Missouri fruits, including a special spotlight on our state fruit, the pawpaw! The fall is a great time to take advantage of nature’s bounty from plums to persimmons. This program will include an indoor presentation on Missouri fruits, a short pawpaw harvesting walk, and making a pawpaw cheesecake together as a class.

Wildlife: Homeschool: Paws and Claws
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Animal feet are neat! Every animal that has paws, claws, or hoofs has them for a specific reason that aids in their survival. In this program we will take a closer look at a few native animal’s feet and discuss why they are different. After the presentation we will make a cast of your favorite animal’s foot for you to take home. This program is designed to fit the needs of homeschool families but is open to the public regardless of schooling status. Please register all individuals that will be attending as lesson supplies may be limited.

Hiking: Deck Out Your Hiking Boots
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Tower Grove Park-New Comfort Station
Bring or wear your favorite pair of walking or hiking shoes, and we’ll jazz up the laces with beads and charms! Then we’ll take our newly upgraded kicks on a short walk around the west end of the park, learning about the plants and animals we encounter along the way. Who knows what we’ll discover as the sun sets in Tower Grove Park!

Insects: Moth Ball
Registration period: August 14 – September 24
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Join us for the Moth Ball, where elegance alights on silken wings and wonder stirs beneath the stars. Enjoy an evening under the velvet sky for an event of enchantment, curiosity, and courtly delight. Wander the Enchanted Tanglevine Trail, aglow with eldritch light and woodland magic. Gaze upon a glowing UV moth sheet, where elusive nocturnal nobility descend. Or join the Moth BioBlitz and become a citizen scientist, documenting twilight visitors using iNaturalist. Within the manor (that is, our beloved Nature Center), partake in crafts both merry and meticulous. Mold the earth into native seed balls, fashion thy own moth antennae finery to complete thy woodland regalia, and more. Visit the Moth Mocktail Bar, where botanical brews and native nectar-inspired elixirs are served with flourish and flair.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Snake Encounter
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
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: LaBarque Creek Conservation Area Hike
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
Join us for a 3-mile hike thru the forests of the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. This area is known for its unique natural beauty and undisturbed habitat. This hike is rated as moderate to difficult due to elevation change.

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FISHING & HUNTING

Fishing Programs

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 & 2 – classes are offered frequently

Lesson 1 will go over how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Lesson 2 covers 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. 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.

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling Registration period: August 5 – September 1
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park – Rearing Pond

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Lake 2 – August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00- 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park – Rearing Pond

Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 & 2 is required before attending this program* Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species. Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.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.

Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life & Fishing with Lures
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park – Rearing Pond
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life & Fishing with Lures
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Lake 2 – August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area

More fishing classes:

Learn to Fish: Fall Bass Fishing
Registration period: August 10 – September 8
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery
This is course is designed for anglers looking to learn more about techniques for catching bass in the fall season. We will be demonstrating different lures and techniques that you can use to catch more fish this season. All equipment will be provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they choose. A current, valid fishing permit is encouraged for all participants ages 16–64.

Hunting & Shooting Skills