Discover Nature Events

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and join this hike through the Columbus Park and River Market neighborhoods. Covering roughly three miles, this moderately paced hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in these older neighborhoods. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. 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.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. This program is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series, the nature center will be open until 7 pm this evening.

Insects are found on every continent playing important roles and our world wouldn’t be the same without them. Discover what it takes to be an insect as we explore the fields and forest in pursuit of these 6-legged creatures.

Meet one of Missouri’s most beautiful snakes, the eastern milksnake. Find out how they got their name and how they help us as we uncover the mysteries of this secretive snake. Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

When plants and animals die, they sure don’t go to waste! A team of decomposers steps up and helps recycle all the nutrients. Meet nature’s clean-up crew and find out just how hard they work as we investigate rotten logs and leaf litter.

Singing songs by the campfire? Roasting marshmallows? Listening to crickets from inside a tent? The wonderful world of camping is waiting for Missourians to enjoy, and little ones can begin learning about this wonderful pastime in their early years. In this month’s program, learn all about camping and participate in some fun camping-related activities and crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Singing songs by the campfire? Roasting marshmallows? Listening to crickets from inside a tent? The wonderful world of camping is waiting for Missourians to enjoy, and little ones can begin learning about this wonderful pastime in their early years. In this month’s program, learn all about camping and participate in some fun camping-related activities and crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Gather ‘round ye olde campfire and let us tell you a story…. To welcome the first day of autumn, the staff of Cape Girardeau Nature Center is lighting a campfire and inviting you to join us. Grab your family and gather ‘round as we read aloud nature-themed picture books, present a short program, and sing campfire songs at the nature center firepit. The nature center will provide sumac tea and a small campfire-themed snack.

Join George and Jan Serigos as they perform in their nature-related band, Wild Heart. Thier lighthearted music is sure to be a joy to all ages! If you have not had the chance to hear their presentation, you are in for a treat!

Music will be outdoors if weather permits. The nature center doors will open at 6 pm to give you an opportunity to explore the exhibits.

Registration required (adults) This thru hike will be roughly 8 miles long through several neighborhoods in the city. The exact route will be determined by June. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.