Discover Nature Events

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.

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.

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.

Spring is in full swing, and our plants and animals are busy! From blooming flowers to growing baby animals there are many sights, sounds, smells, and textures to enjoy this season. Join us for several sensory-friendly, spring-themed activities and stations. This program is designed to be inclusive to children of all ages and abilities.

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.

Calling all grandparents! Bring your grandkids and explore the forest at the nature center with the eyes of a naturalist. During this program we will take time to smell the flowers, explore the microscopic world in the undergrowth, and test our senses as we take in the beauty of a Missouri forest. Activities will be at a beginner’s level and all instruction and supplies will be provided. For this program, participants will meet at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants are asked to dress for the weather, bring athletic or hiking type shoes and bring a water bottle. Participants should be ready to traverse trails that are not ADA accessible with inclines of more than 15%. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our “Grand” Adventure series. You are welcome to sign up for a single day or multiple days of fun. All participants should register to ensure we have an accurate count of participants.

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get a jump on summer with an urban hike through historic Parkville, MO. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this moderately paced and hilly hike will utilize sidewalks and a few short road segments to explore nature in the older neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native & invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The hike will start and end at English Landing Park. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Prairie, prairie, quite contrary, how do your grasses grow? “Quite well,” the prairie answers. Prairies are home to some amazing wildflowers and grasses that make a beautiful natural garden. Learn about this amazing habitat on National Prairie Day, create some cool crafts and participate in prairie-themed activities to celebrate the day. 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.

Join us at the Nature Center as we celebrate National Trails Day! Stop by the front desk to pick up a question sheet, then take a self-guided hike along our scenic trails and play trivia along the way. All ages.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.