Events

Learn how to sharpen your hunting knives so you can get the best out of them.

“Know thy enemy,” we’ve heard the phrase for years, but knowing which species are invasive or not can be daunting. This program is designed as an introductory guide to some of the most common invasive species in southeast Missouri. We will focus on decoding some of the botanical jargon and learning common sense rules that help you target problem plants. This program will be held both indoor and outdoor on the nature center trails. Please dress for high temperatures and bring a bottle of water to hike with. Trails cover graveled, hilly terrain; hiking boots or athletic shoes recommended.

*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.

Bring your shotgun, 4 boxes of #7 steel shot, and warm-up for dove season. We’ll create typical hunting scenarios to practice your wingshooting for the September 1st opener.

Help us monitor the health of Cape LaCroix Creek by conducting a macroinvertebrate survey. Get an up-close look at some of the cool creatures that call stream ecosystems home. We will be wading so please wear clothing and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. We will meet in the parking lot next to the recreation trail just south of the Lexington/Route W round-about.

Help us monitor the health of Cape LaCroix Creek by conducting a macroinvertebrate survey. Get an up-close look at some of the cool creatures that call stream ecosystems home. We will be wading so please wear clothing and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. We will meet in the parking lot next to the recreation trail just south of the Lexington/Route W round-about.

*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.

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted later). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the lake in the Sikeston Recreational Complex. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

Join us to learn the most effective methods for dove hunting. We will discuss the biology of the bird and then teach how to shoot using the Effective Wing Shooting for the Hunter techniques. We will discuss using decoys and how to use concealment to your benefit. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Did you know Archery is one of the safest sports in which to participate? It is rated more accident-free than every ball sport except table tennis! This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of archery including safety rules, stance, equipment used, and, of course, how to shoot a bow and arrow. The instructors will also discuss the nomenclature of the bows and arrows. Join us for this fun and very informative class