Events

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.

FREE SHOOTING! The Lake City Range is happy to open our doors to the public with a FREE day of shooting in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day! Everyone is welcome! Come hone your skills on the trap or skeet fields, archery fields, or on the rifle or pistol ranges. All shooters must provide their own archery equipment, firearms and ammunition. We'll see you on the range!

Want to take dove poppers to the next level? Then enjoy learning how to make dove chile rellenos. During this program we’ll learn about what cuts is best to use from a dove along with the best way to make dove chile rellenos.

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.

We will discuss the correct shot placement on North American game animals along with the correct safety protocol, used when shooting on a 3D archery range. We will shoot a variety of game animal targets, from the ground and from an elevated tower. This class will enable you to master those tough shots when shooting at large game animals. This program is not for the beginning archery shooter as it is an intermediate level program, so unless you are beyond the basics in archery this program is not for you.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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.

With the arrival of fall the next generation of many of our reptile species will start hatching. In this presentation we’ll go over which reptiles are hatching and what they look like to be able to distinguish them from each other. 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.

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 lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Is it hard to find time in your busy schedule to make time for exercise? Let alone, motivate yourself to get up early to exercise when you’re the only one? Join us on this sunrise hike before work and enjoy the beauty of nature and a community of other early-morning walkers as you hike one of our nature center trails. We will be hiking along one of our nature center trails, which is moderately difficult with steep grades of over 15% and is not ADA-accessible.