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March 2020
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Spring, MO 64015
Located in Blue Springs, Missouri, one mile north of I-70 and one mile west of MO 7 on Park Road. Six trails, 1,071 wooded acres, two picnic areas, indoor wildlife viewing area, 3,000 gallon native fish and turtle aquarium, hands-on nature exhibits, gift shop, and sales of fishing and hunting permits.
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NATURE CENTER HOURS:
Tuesday–Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM
Closed Sunday, Monday and all state holidays..
AREA AND TRAILS:
Daily: 7 AM–6 PM Daylight Saving Time: 7 AM–8 PM
TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/link/burr-oak-woods-nature-center-events.
If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-228-3766 and cancel as a courtesy.
Critter Feeding Schedule
Wednesday & Saturday ∙ 3 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday. The snakes are fed every other week (March 13 & 27).
Mushroom Hunting 101
March 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AM–1 PM
No registration required (all ages)
Mushrooms are a delight for animals and people alike! Explore the realm of the fungi and learn what role they play in our environment and which may be a good addition to your dinner plate. We will be joined by Kansas City Mycological Society President, Brittany Martinez. A forage hike in the woods of Burr Oak Woods will follow the presentation.
Families Xplor: Caves
March 10 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6:30–8 PM
Registration required (families with children ages 6–13)
Caves have fascinated both children and adults throughout time. The truth they tell is as incredible as the legends that have been created about them. Join us as we use hands–on activities to discover this hidden world in the Burr Oak Woods portable cave.
Babes in the Woods: Snake Awareness
March 11 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 10–11 AM
Registration required (babes under 36 months)
Your reaction to nature will shape the attitude of your child. We will introduce you and your little one to a snake and discuss the facts and myths about these slithery creatures. Knowledge can bring confidence, tolerance and a deeper understanding.
Naturescaping Workshop
March 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Registration required (adults ages 18+)
Beautify your landscape with some of Missouri’s best natural resources, native plants! Learn how to save time and money and create wildlife habitat with educational sessions on native plants, landscape design and many more. The Native Plant Sale is open from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for workshop participants.
Native Plants Sale
March 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1–4 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Enhance your landscapes with native plants. Green Thumb Gardens and Missouri Wildflowers Nursery will be on site with native plants for sale while supplies last.
Baby Season: Part 2
March 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AM–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Does that baby animal need help? Join us as we continue learning about animal moms and their babies. This month special guests from Wild Souls Rehab & Rescue will share some tips on determining if that baby animal requires “rescuing” or not.
Bird in the Hand
March 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AM–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Missouri River Bird Observatory staff and Burr Oak Woods partner in an on-going project to identify and track the birds that come to our feeders each winter. From the resident chickadees and cardinals to the migrating juncos and sparrows, we capture, apply colored bands and release these fascinating creatures. Once banded and recorded, you will be able to track individual birds through this and future seasons. This program is weather permitting.
Plant Identification & Hike
March 24 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 1–2:30 PM
Registration required (adults)
As you prepare for foraging in nature for those edible spring wildflowers and early greens, discover tips to build your plant identification skills.
Little Acorns: Nature’s Little Ones
March 25 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 10–11 AM or 1–2 PM
Registration required (ages 3–5 with an adult)
Spring is the busiest baby season for wildlife! Throughout the year, when we look outside, we may see critters here and there, but right now animals seem to be everywhere! Let’s meet a few!
Home School: Cycle of Life
March 25 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 10–11:30 AM or 1–2:30 PM
Registration required (ages 6–8, 9–11 and 12–18)
It’s an eat or be eaten world out there and everything in nature has a job to do. We will investigate how all things living are a part of nature’s dynamic food web. Plus, we will learn about our role and how our actions effect the cycles of life.
Rockin’ & Readin’ Nature Tales
March 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AM–Noon
Walk-in (all ages)
Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Our imaginations are the only limits
The Butterfly Olympics
March 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1–2 PM or 2–3 PM
Registration required (all ages)
Butterflies are important and amazing creatures in the web of life. Enjoy an indoor obstacle course and craft as you learn about a butterflies’ life cycle and the cool species that call Missouri home. First 25 families that arrive will receive a free live plant.
28505 E. Truman Road, Landahl Park, Buckner, MO 64016
Located on 60 acres of forests and fields near Blue Springs, Missouri, six miles north of I-70 on MO 7 and two miles east of MO 7 on Truman Road in Landahl Park. Facilities include an outdoor education center, archery, pistol, rifle and shotgun ranges, including skeet and trap.
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HOURS:
May 1–September 15
Wednesday–Sunday: Noon–6 PM
September 16–April 30
Wednesday–Sunday: Noon–4:30 PM
Closed Monday and Tuesday and all state holidays.
FACILITIES AND FEES:
Available for individual or group use. Call for information and possible restrictions.
• Rifle/Pistol range: $4 booth per hour
• Trap/Skeet: $4 per round
• Archery range: $4 per person per hour
• Shotgun pattern: $4 per person per hour
TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/link/lake-city-shooting-range-events.
If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-249-3194 and cancel as a courtesy.
Handgun Basics
March 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8–10 AM
Registration required (ages 18+)
This program includes handgun safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance and safe storage. Equipment and ammunition will be provided; you may bring your own firearm and ammunition to the live-fire session.
Hunting Basics – Turkey
March 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8–10 AM
Registration required (all ages)
Learn from our experienced instructor’s wildlife identification, habits and habitats, regulations, safety, hunting strategies, equipment and game care. Attend this class to increase your success in the field.
15900 NW River Rd., PO Box 14024, Parkville, MO 64152
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Located in Platte County, Missouri. Go west of downtown Parkville on Route FF to River Road, then west 3 miles to the entrance located just west of I-435. Facilities are available for individual or group use and include a rifle/pistol/shotgun range and archery range.
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HOURS:
May 1–September 30
Monday and Tuesday: 2 PM–8 PM
Friday–Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
October 1–April 30
Friday–Tuesday: Noon–4:30 PM
Closed Wednesday and Thursday and all state holidays.
FACILITIES AND FEES:
• Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun/Range: $4 booth per hour
• Archery range: $4 per person per hour
TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/link/parwa-woods-shooting-range-events. If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-891-9941 and cancel as a courtesy.
Hunter Education Skills Session
March 5 ∙ Thursday ∙ 6–10 PM
Registration required (ages 11+)
The Missouri Hunter Education Skills Session is the second portion of the class for youth under age 16 and for adults that have chosen to complete the workbook or classroom session options. Participants will learn safe firearms handling skills under the direction of certified instructors.
Reloading – Basics
March 25 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 5:30–9:30 PM
Registration required (ages 11+; ages 11–15 must be accompanied by an adult)
This class covers the basic equipment, materials and techniques needed to reload ammunition and customize the loads to your firearms. We will demonstrate the process and then give you some hands-on experience reloading ammunition. All equipment and materials are provided.
Introduction to Firearms
March 27 ∙ Friday ∙ 5:30–8:30 PM AND
March 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8:30–11:30 AM
Registration required (ages 11+; ages 11–17 must be accompanied by an adult)
This program includes firearms safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance and safe storage. Equipment and ammunition will be provided; you may bring your own firearm and ammunition to the live-fire session.
Intro to Spring Turkey Hunting
March 29 ∙ Sunday ∙ 9 AM–Noon
Registration required (ages 8+)
Turkey hunting is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying nature in spring. This workshop is designed to teach participants how to more successfully hunt the wild turkey. We’ll discuss turkey biology, hunting equipment, regulations and strategies that will make you a more confident turkey hunter.
4750 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, just east of the Plaza near 47th and Troost. Six hands-on workshops explore Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife with a Lewis and Clark theme. Discovery Center is a showcase for environmental architecture with four acres of native landscaping. Buy books and hunting/fishing permits at the gift shop.
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HOURS:
Tuesday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
1st and 3rd Tuesdays: 8 AM–7 PM
Saturdays: 9 AM–4 PM
Closed Sunday, Monday and all state holidays.
TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/link/discovery-center-events. If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-759-7300 and cancel as a courtesy.
Scout Program
March 3 ∙ Tuesday ∙ Evening
Registration required (Scouts)
Scout leaders, are you lacking expertise or equipment to complete conservation badges? Bring your troop to the Discovery Center and education staff will provide a program to help Scouts with rank achievement. All Missouri Scout groups of 10-24 participants are welcome to schedule a free program. Please contact Steve Jacobsen at 816-759-7305 ext. 1146 or steve.jacobsen@mdc.mo.gov to learn more about how we can help and to schedule a program.
Lower Maintenance Design and Plant Selection for Native Gardens
March 3 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6:30–8 PM
Registration required; visit https://www.deeprootskc.org/2020series to reserve your tickets (adults)
Easy-maintenance native gardens are attainable when small (under 150 square feet) and planted with the right tried-and-true native plants. As gardens increase in size and complexity, more consideration should be given to design, plant choice and maintenance needs. This presentation will show you how to design for lower maintenance and maintain a select set of top-performing native plants. Join Scott Woodbury, manager of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve, for an evening that will help you make smart plant choices that will pay off for years to come. Presented in partnership with Deep Roots. Advance tickets are required.
Native Landscape Chat
March 6 ∙ Friday ∙ Noon–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Do you have questions on how to utilize and care for native plants on your landscape? The Discovery Center Landscape Specialists will be available to answer your questions and provide education on various aspects of working with native plants.
Partner Program: ECOS Urban Nature Discovery
Every Saturday beginning March 28
9:30 AM–Noon (4th and 5th grades)
1–3:30 PM (6th, 7th and 8th grades)
Registration required; visit https://www.greenworkskc.org/programs or call 816-490-6434.
Youth will explore nature on the Discovery Center campus and in nearby neighborhoods, take nature field trips and meet neighborhood leaders and career professionals creating healthy places for nature and people. This program is a partner program hosted by GreenWorks in Kansas City and the Discovery Center.
Little Acorns
March 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11 AM, 11 AM–Noon or 1–2 PM
Walk-in (ages 3–8; all welcome)
Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.
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The Eastern Bluebird of Missouri
March 7 · Saturday · 10 AM–2:30 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
The state bird of Missouri is often associated with cheerfulness! Some say it's song sounds like "Cheer Cheerful Charmer." Perhaps that is why the Eastern bluebird is commonly thought of as a symbol of happiness. Join us at the Discovery Center as we learn to identify, foster and monitor Missouri's beautiful state bird!
Build a Bluebird House
March 7 · Saturday · 10:30–11:30 AM or 12:30–1:30 PM
Registration required (ages 10+)
Bluebirds are year-round residents in Missouri. They usually begin nesting the first half of March. Perfect timing for this project! Would you like to help increase the local bluebird population while having many hours of enjoyment watching our beautiful state bird? Register for one of these sessions and you will build a bluebird house of your own!
Good Morning Nature - Jig Tying
March 13 ∙ Friday ∙ 7–9 AM
Registration required (adults)
Catching a fish on a jig or fly that you created is a very satisfying experience. Discover the process to make jigs and flies that will catch lots of fish. This hands-on class is for all levels of experience. All materials will be provided, and participants will take home the lures they create.
Jig Tying
March 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11 AM, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM or 1–2 PM
Registration required (ages 9+)
Catching a fish on a jig or fly that you created is a very satisfying experience. Discover the process to make jigs and flies that will catch lots of fish. This hands-on class is for beginner to intermediate experience levels. All materials will be provided, and participants will take home the lures they create.
Scout Program
March 17 ∙ Tuesday ∙ Evening
Registration required (Scouts)
Scout leaders, are you lacking expertise or equipment to complete conservation badges? Bring your troop to the Discovery Center and education staff will provide a program to help Scouts with rank achievement. All Missouri Scout groups of 10-24 participants are welcome to schedule a free program. Please contact Steve Jacobsen at 816-759-7305 ext. 1146 or steve.jacobsen@mdc.mo.gov to learn more about how we can help and to schedule a program.
Introduction to Backpacking
March 17 & 24 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6–8 PM (pre-trip training)
April 4–5 ∙ Saturday–Sunday ∙ All Day (backpacking trip)
Registration required (adults)
Backpacking is an outdoor skill that allows you to experience the beauty and peace of Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area. Discovery Center staff will be offering an introduction to backpacking program which will allow you to learn the skills needed to backpack, what is needed and how to pack. There will be two required pre-trip programs followed by a weekend backpacking trip where you will experience the wonders of spring in the Ozarks.
Little Acorns
March 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11 AM, 11 AM–Noon or 1–2 PM
Walk-in (ages 3–8; all welcome)
Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.
Living with Urban Animals
March 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10–11:30 AM or Noon–1:30 PM
Registration required (adults)
Spring is here! Animals are busy building homes, looking for food and having babies. This means they could be your new neighbor. Learn about humane solutions to encourage animals to move along or stay out, and information on what to do when you find a baby.
Making Rope with Prairie Plants
March 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AM–2:30 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
The ability to make rope or cordage from plant fibers is an ancient skill essential to surviving in the wilds. We will learn to make simple cordage using the same plants Native Americans harvested from Missouri wild prairies to make bowstrings, fishing nets and clothing.
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