Events

This program includes shotgun safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage. Equipment and ammunition can be provided; you may bring your own firearm and ammunition to the live-fire session.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to properly chase catfish in your local body of water? We have the class for you! This is a single class that is made to teach you everything you will need to know. The class will begin as any other, only catch is, you will already be fishing! Fishing rods will be set up in wait as we teach and talk about catfish. We will display the different types of catfish, the different types of rods, reels, and gear used to catch catfish, and also teach you what kind of baits to use and where!

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather.

An atlatl is a hunting tool created more than 20,000 years ago. It was often used to hunt megafauna such as wooly mammoth. Join us as we explore the history of the atlatl and how it is used today. Create you very own atlatl to take home, learn the technique for using it, and give it a try at Runge. Registration required. Ages 13-17

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6036

Learn embroidery techniques while also exploring "Trees of Missouri" by stitching quilt blocks based on that theme.

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (ages 15+) Experience how native gardens change and learn seasonal maintenance required for success. Feel empowered, enjoy camaraderie and learn skills alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! All experience levels are welcome. The Deep Roots Demonstration Garden features Midwest native plants suitable for the home garden. Contact cydney@deeprootskc.org or more information.

Come learn the basics of watercolor while painting a beautiful Missouri Wildflower! No experience necessary. You will be guided through this unique way of painting, and you will take your new art piece home with you. Registration required. Ages 14+

Join regional mushroom educator Mike Snyder for a fun and informative virtual class about summertime mushrooms!

In this one hour program, Mike will share information about how to identify the most common edible mushrooms that occur in Missouri during the summer as well as give tips on how to use them in the kitchen.

Mike will also show us a few of the most common toxic summer fungi and how to know and avoid them. This is a perfect opportunity to learn how to forage for the mushroom bounty of the warm season here in our state!

There will be a 30 minute Question and Answer session at the conclusion of the program, so write those questions down!

Mike Snyder is a myco-educator who has been studying and foraging for mushrooms for over 15 years. He is on the Board of the Missouri Mycological Society and heads up both the Speaking Engagement and the Research committees for that organization. He is a certified mushroom identification expert in three states and serves on the Cultivation Committee of the North American Mycological Association. He stays busy with speaking engagements, forays, workshops and classes he provides around the region and has been fortunate enough to teach a large number of people about foraging and cultivating mushrooms in recent years through his business WildWise Botanicals.

You will be sent a Webex link for the event the day prior to the program. If you do not see this link, please check your spam folder for it and add MDC to your safe sender list.

*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.