Events

Note: This program starts from the Noren Access on the Missouri River in Jefferson City.

Spend the day with Runge naturalists as we paddle and explore the Missouri River from the Noren Access in Jefferson City to the Moreau River Access (up the Moreau River), approximately seven miles. Runge will provide kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices. Pack a water bottle, lunch, snacks, and a pair of closed-toe shoes that can get wet.

We will meet at Noren Access. At the end of the program, a shuttle will transport participants back to their vehicles at Noren Access. Participants under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent/guardian must complete a permission form before taking part in the program (permission forms available at the nature center, at the event, and will be emailed to registered participants a couple of days before the program). Registration required. Ages 13+

After a long summer of fluttering around our nectar-filled flowers, hummingbirds are now making the long journey to warmer climates. Join us for Little Acorns: Hooray for Hummingbirds to learn all about the fascinating journey of these tiny, beautiful birds! Also, make a humming bird craft of your own to take with you.

Hummingbirds are beautiful and unique birds. Discover more about these tiny fliers and learn how to attract these magnificent little jewels to your yard or garden, as well as how you can help prepare them for their fall migration.

What should you do with your native garden in the fall? We'll discuss planting, harvesting, mulching, trimming, fertilizing, transplanting and more. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

It’s a bird!? It’s a plane!? No- it's Missouri’s only flying mammal! Meet at the Myron & Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area parking lot for a Naturalist guided sunset hike on the Glassberg Trail to view bats as they awaken at dusk to hunt for insects as they prepare for winter hibernation or migration. As we walk, we’ll learn more about the bats of Missouri, and see what species are flying in the area using a bat detector.

The Glassberg trail is about 3 miles and is a moderately rated loop trail with hilly terrain. Most of the trail is natural surface, with a small portion that is paved, so this trail is not ADA accessible. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. Please bring water, a headlamp or flashlight, and any snacks you may want. Trekking poles will be available to use for anyone who wants them. We will stop several times along the trail, including at an overlook to watch the bats fly over the field and river.

Sunset is at 6:48pm, so we will be hiking in the dark with flashlights for the last half of this program.

Children are welcome to attend based on adult discretion of their ability to hike 3 miles and must be accompanied by a trusted adult.

Please register each person attending individually.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 28 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.

At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 28th. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 and Zone 3 fishing areas will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .

This event is Co-Sponsored by Delta Waterfowl and MDC. Participants will learn about Waterfowl calling and hunting strategies, shotgun shooting and retriever handling and training. They will also experience a continental style pheasant hunt. Bring your own 12ga or 20 ga shotgun, ammunition will be provided. Breakfast and lunch also provided for participant and accompanying adult. For more information contact Mark Miller. email mark.miller@mdc.mo.gov Phone 660-530-5500

*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.

Ages 11+ Anyone under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

NO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP! This class is for those of you who wonder why... Why do different lots of the same brand of ammo shoot differently? Why is it important to shoot the same ammo you will hunt or practice with? Why do two of the same calibers of firearms shoot the same manufacturer’s ammunition differently? Why do bullets rise? These questions and much more will be discussed. Come and ask lots of WHY? questions! The class will begin at 8:00AM. THIS IS A NON-SHOOTING CLASS! Bring your hunting rifle and ammo to practice what you have learned in this session. Anyone under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

You must be a registered Stream Team volunteer to attend this training. Register as a volunteer at www.mostreamteam.org before registering for this event.

This event is the stream-side certification to become a Level 1 water quality monitor with Missouri Stream Team. Step 1 (virtual training videos) is required prior to attending this event. The virtual training videos can be found through this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBQMlfy_cD4DQe07cir0nipWVrbQ2npVy.

Attendees under the age of 18 must have a sponsoring adult present.

For any questions, please email StreamTeam@mdc.mo.gov.

To learn more about the VWQM program, please visit www.mostreamteam.org/water-quality-monitoring.html.