Events

Calling all photographers! Whether you’re a professional or just like snapping photos on your phone, the Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to head on out to one of our largest Conservation Areas in the state this summer. With nearly 7,000 acres of land and a wide variety of habitats, Busch Conservation Area is host to hundreds of species of wildlife. From Cormorants on the lake, Turkeys in the fields, and Beavers in creek, the possibilities of spotting some of our incredible Missouri wildlife are endless!

Starting May 1st, photos submitted via email to Sabrina.Hansen@mdc.mo.gov will be printed and displayed in the entrance of the St. Louis Regional Office within Busch CA for visitors to view and vote for their favorite photo of the week! You can also post your submitted photos on Facebook or Instagram using #BuschWildlifeoftheWeek. Fan favorite photos will be hung in the hallway of the Regional Office for all to enjoy throughout the summer season. The last day to submit summer photos will be August 31st.

Photos submitted MUST be taken at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area, or our next-door neighbor Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Description of the location on either Conservation Area must be included in your email submission. Photo must include native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants.

While we encourage participants to spot and photograph our flora and fauna, we ask that you remain at a healthy distance from any wildlife and respect all living things on our areas while also following all area regulations.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos: Try going during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light. Don’t forget to fill the frame with your subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging that subjects seen from a distance. Consider pulling out a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in our native plants, and a host of tiny and cool insects and pollinators. And finally, be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

You can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

This 1.5-hour beginner-friendly class will begin at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This program is made possible by an education cooperative agreement between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. Staff will discuss water safety guidelines and review the basics to kayaking on Ellis Bay. Participants and guides will then launch their boats and set off to paddle around Ellis Bay. Kayaks, paddles and USCG life jackets provided for all. Participants must be 12 years of age and up. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please see the important information below:

* Since this is an official American Canoe Association (ACA) sanctioned event, all participants are required to complete a smart waiver that will be sent out after registration. If the waiver is not completed the participant will not be able to participate.

*Weight Limits:

Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org if you weigh 250 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak.

* Participants will meet at the Picnic Pavilion on Riverlands Way (approximately 1 mile down the road/past the Audubon Center at Riverlands building).

Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of Missouri venomous snakes! Join Powder Valley naturalists virtually for the feeding of our captive snakes while learning more about the interesting lives of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Please register all individuals who will be watching the livestream (including children) so that we may get an accurate total for the amount of people who participated in this program.

This program will take place on the virtual meeting platform Webex. The link for the program will be sent out to registered participants one week before the program, as well as one day before the program.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls 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.

Birding is a fun hobby, but it can be hard to know where to start. Join a naturalist and learn about how to break in to this daunting yet rewarding activity. Hear about how to pick up this important hobby, then participate in a short hike on Tanglevine Trail where you’ll practice your bird identification skills. Meet at the frog statue in front of the nature center. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and make sure to bring plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, and water. The short hike will be approximately 1/3 mile.

This class is designed for individuals familiar to shotguns wanting to get into Trap Shooting. It will cover safety, marksmanship fundamentals for shotgun, recommended gear for trap shooting, and the rules and etiquette for trap shooting. After the classroom portion we will move to the shotgun range to practice. Shotguns and ammunition will be available for those who need it.

*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.

This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We will cover safety, appropriate guns and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field, and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 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.

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.

The online "Official Missouri Prescribed Burn Course" must be completed before attending this event. You can register for the online portion here: https://www.hunter-ed.com/prescribedburn/

The online course has a $25 charge to a third-party host (not MDC) and can be completed in approximately 2 – 4 hours. Please bring your certificate of completion and mileage log to the workshop.

At this event, the participants will learn about burn equipment, burn line installation, safe weather parameters, ignition operations, and other techniques to safely conduct a prescribed burn. Participants will be outside for portions of the day and should dress for the weather and a short walk.

Lunch will be provided. Email the instructor with any dietary restrictions that we can try to accommodate.