Events

Join us as we traverse the Blue Loop trail on the White River Valley Traill system at Table Rock Lake State Park. This 3-mile trail is rated moderate in difficulty. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles or a hiking stick if you have one. Bring lunch and a water bottle. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.

Does the sport of fly-fishing interest you but you just don’t know where to start? Join us at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Lake 2 to learn the basics of fly fishing. In this class we will cover Fly fishing safety; rod selection; line, backer, leader, and tippet; basic knots; and the basics of fly casting. You will need a valid Missouri fishing permit for this class (participants 15 years of age or younger are exempt). To purchase permits, see, mdc.mo.gov/permits. You will also need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to use it otherwise, we have rods for you to use.

Open up a book to bring a piece of nature indoors! This interactive story time is perfect for families with young children to spark curiosity about Missouri’s wildlife, plants and more!

Drop by any time at this free event to purchase native plants for your landscaping needs. Vendors will offer hardy plants native to Missouri and will provide information about the benefits of planting native species. Or pre-order the native plants for your landscaping needs and they will be available for you to pick up. Please check with the MO Wildflower Nursery and Ozark Soul to see what is available and pre-purchase your native plants.

Archery is a fun, lifetime sport everyone can enjoy. Learn the basics of archery and how to shoot safely, then practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of Runge staff. Dress for the weather in closed-toe shoes. All equipment is provided. No registration required. Ages 7+

Note: Runge's outdoor range may not be accessible to participants who use a wheelchair or crutches. Please check for availability of an all-terrain wheelchair by contacting the program instructor at least two weeks in advance of the program date. No registration required. Ages 7+

Walk-in (ages 6+) They're small. They're slimy. They're amphibious survival machines. Learn about the different species of frogs and toads that call Missouri home, including which to look and listen for in the Kansas City are. We'll explore their life cycle, specialized structures that make these creatures so incredible and what you can do to help protect them. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route. Learn how to do all three by joining us at for this free orienteering program. Included will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so be sure to come prepared with proper footwear, clothing attire for gravel trails, and water.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than sixteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Immerse yourself in the Tastes and Sights of Spring at Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie. Bo Brown, author of Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands, will share how native prairie and grassland plants were traditionally used to provide sustainable food sources. Bo will answer all your prairie foraging questions and have a short book signing. In addition, MDC biologists will be available to discuss ways to create wildlife friendly plantings on your property, using many of the edible natives we are discussing.

Come prepared to spend the day outdoors. Bring along a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and appropriate footwear. A camp chair or blanket to sit on is a must.

Additional topics throughout the day will include, prairie and grassland birds, ecology, plant identification, and seasonal phenology changes.

Ants go marching one by one, but what are they doing? Find out what keeps these tiny but mighty insects busy as we learn about their lives through imaginary play and outdoor exploration. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

With the weather warming up it’s the perfect time to fish. Come join us and catch some of the fish in our Kids Fishing Pond and learn the differences in some of the species that are stocked in the pond.