Choose Your Own Adventure!
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Children's Programs
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Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Spring is almost here! Let's check out how plants sprout from seeds, grow, and bloom. You will be sprouting some seeds at home, so supplies need to be picked up from the nature center by Friday, March 5.
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 2:00pm to 2:30pm
Ever wonder what it takes to keep the nature center reptiles, amphibians, and fish happy? Watch from your home or classroom as naturalists introduce and feed several Missouri amphibians and reptiles.
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 10:00am to 10:30am
Everyone loves a good story, and we have plenty of them here at the nature center! You and your little one can watch and listen as our Naturalist reads a couple nature stories. This program is designed for children 0-6 years of age, but is open to all ages.
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 10:00am to 10:30am
Everyone loves a good story, and we have plenty of them here at the nature center! You and your little one can watch and listen as our Naturalist reads a couple nature stories. This program is designed for children 0-6 years of age, but is open to all ages.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 10:00am to 10:30am
Tweet, tweet! It’s hard work to find the perfect spot and build a nest. But these birds are up for the challenge! Tune in with your little one to learn who’s building their nests this month.
This program is designed for children 3-6 years of age, but is open to all ages.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Celebrate the spring season by heading out on a scavenger hunt! It will be fun for the whole family as you go out in search of signs of spring. There will be an easy, moderate, and difficult scavenger hunt available. Just drop by, select the scavenger hunt page of your choice, and return completed pages for a small prize.
Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing when picking up and bringing back scavenger hunt pages.
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 - 10:00am to 10:30am
Meet a master of disguise, the rough greensnake. These small, slender snakes sneak through the tree tops in search of small insects. Get an up-close look as we discover what makes these snakes unique
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
After plants and animals die, nature’s clean-up crew kicks into action. Meet some of the decomposer crew members and learn all about how they keep life going for the rest of us. This program is designed for ages 8-12 but younger and older siblings are welcome.
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
After plants and animals die, nature’s clean-up crew kicks into action. Meet some of the decomposer crew members and learn all about how they keep life going for the rest of us. We will explore the forest and conduct a rotten log survey. This program is designed for ages 8-12 but younger and older siblings are welcome. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
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Discover Nature
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Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 - 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Thinking about turkey season is what gets hunters through the dreary months of February and March. Join Conservation Educator Dee Dee Dockins for information on what you can do right now to get ready for turkey season. Learn about the life cycle of the turkey, hatch, habitat and most importantly locating turkeys before the season opener. Time will be available at the end of the program for questions.
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Don't ever assume you are the only hunter in the woods. Test your skills through many different hunting scenarios "gone wrong" so you will hunt safely and defensively this season. Conservation Educator Dee Dee Dockins and guest host Protection Captain Russell Duckworth will give you the tools you need to be safe in the field as well as additional considerations when hunting on public land. Time will be reserved at the end of the program for questions.
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
The first day of spring is almost here!! That means wildflower will be here soon. Let’s do some activities to get ourselves all warmed up for adding flowers to our nature journal.
Date: Friday, March 5, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Cast iron cookware is a great tool for campfire cooking that can last for many lifetimes with proper care. This program will walk you through how to prepare your cast iron for use, proper cleaning, and recommended maintenance and storage to keep your cast iron ware in excellent condition.
Anyone is welcome to attend this program but it is geared toward ages 16 and up.
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Enjoy the accomplishment of making things for your home and decorating with all things rustic?
Join us to make a stool using common Ozark caning and weaving techniques. With the materials provided you will not only have a unique piece but a practical one. This program is designed for ages 16 and up.
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Spring is almost upon us. We will take a walk around the nature center gardens and grounds to see what is coming up. Ever wonder why such a fuss about native plants? We will explain the many benefits of native plants and shrubs. We can also answer questions about native plants that you might want to include in your yard.
Don’t forget the preorder drive by native plant sale at the Cape Nature Center on March 13th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Plants may be pre ordered at Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Ozark Soul Native Plants, or Forest Keeling before Wednesday, March 10 and picked up at the nature center on Saturday, March 13 between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. COVID precautions preclude any browsing or shopping on site. There will be no other vendors. Pre-ordered plants will be placed in your vehicle in the line at the front of the nature center.
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2021 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Cast iron Dutch Ovens are a versatile tool for campfire cooking. This program will walk you through how to cook in a Dutch Oven on hot coals, including what supplies you’ll need to get started and various methods for using a Dutch Oven. Get ready to impress your friends and family at your next campout!
Anyone is welcome to attend this program but it is geared toward ages 16 and up.
Please make sure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
The dreaded winter season is finally coming to an end. That means it’s time to get out and do some fishing! And what better way to start the fishing season than by catchin’ crappie? Join Discover Nature-Fishing instructor Colt Wahl to learn everything you need to know about how to catch a favorite early season fish and the gear you may need to get you started.
Anyone is welcome to join us for this virtual program, though it will be more appropriate for ages 16 and up.
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Liverworts and Mosses and Algae, oh my! There is a tiny plant world hiding right under our noses. These plants play critical roles in the environment but are often overlooked. Discover this hidden world as we take a close-up look at these unique green things and learn about their unusual lives.
Please make sure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Duck Creek Conservation Area
This class is a 12 month program that will meet once a month all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques while also exploring the flora and fauna of Missouri’s swamps by stitching quilt blocks based on that theme. The third block and topic for this month is the Water Lily and it will be VIRTUAL.
By signing up, you are committing to attend all twelve of the monthly sessions so that you will be able to complete all 15 blocks for an entire quilt.
Classes will be held on a Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm and will be virtual until facilities are re-opened. When we are able to have in-person classes you will be notified. In the meantime, your kits may be picked up the week of class, or after, by appointment. (Call 573-222-3337 or email the instructor at sally.hancock@mdc.mo.gov(link sends e-mail)) The pick up location is in Puxico, MO in the southeast portion of the state.
You will need to have your own embroidery hoop, needle, and tracing pen (While we are virtual). When the building reopens, we will have light boards available for tracing.
Tentative dates: Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18, April 22, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 23, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 16
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 6:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: Cape Nature Center
Learn embroidery techniques while also exploring Missouri’s swamps by stitching quilt blocks based on that theme. The third block and topic for this month is the water lily. Please commit to attend all twelve of the monthly sessions so you will be able to complete the blocks for an entire "swamp based" quilt. Classes will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm and will be virtual until further notice. When we are able to have in-person classes you will be notified. Kits may be picked up at the Nature Center. You will need to have your own embroidery hoop, needle, and tracing pen. When the building reopens the light boards will be available for tracing.
Date: Friday, March 19, 2021 - 2:00pm to 2:30pm
Archery, amphibians, doves, and sunflowers are just a few of the things that come to mind when I think about Maintz Wildlife Preserve. This unique conservation area, located just outside of Oak Ridge, MO has a lot to offer year-round. Take a virtual look at this month’s featured conservation area to learn how you can Discover Nature near you.
All ages are welcome, though this program will be more appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 9:30am to 10:00am
Not sure if you can pick that flower? Or maybe roll that log over? Or lift that rock to peek underneath? As we walk we'll explore different ways to hike and experience nature that are safe for us and also safe for the plants and animals. Please dress for the weather; this program is entirely outdoors.
Anyone is welcome to attend this program, it is geared toward families with children who are interested in learning how to explore nature responsibly.
The trail we'll explore is paved and wheel-chair and stroller accessible. It is approximately 1/4 mile one-way with minor elevation changes.
To ensure the safety of all, this program requires participants to observe social distancing and wear a face covering. All family members that plan to attend must be registered.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Meet us at Maintz to get a closer look at what makes this area a neat place to visit. While we won’t see all 804 acres, we will visit a few parts of the preserve that offer a diverse array of recreational opportunities; including fishing, birdwatching, archery, and more. Dress for the weather and bring some waterproof boots (recommended) to explore this unique area! Participants will be expected to drive between parking lots to view different parts of the area.
Participants ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult.
To ensure the safety of all, this program requires participants to observe social distancing and wear a face covering. All family members that plan to attend must be registered.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Expand your skills beyond leaf identification and discover what other features may be used to identify tree species native to Missouri. Test your skills and learn forestry tidbits in this fun, interactive hike. This hike will take place outside on Ridgetop Trail behind the nature center, so please dress accordingly. Masks are required.
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
The weather is starting to get really nice, so there’s no better time to get back outside! What’s better than spending your time outdoors around a lake fishing with your family? Join Discover Nature-Fishing instructor Colt Wahl to learn all the very basics of fishing to get any beginner angler on the water and catching fish. You will learn about some of the gear that will help you, how to use it, and even learn how to identify some of our favorite fish species.
Anyone is welcome to join us for this virtual program, though it will be more appropriate for children and families.
Date: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 8:00am to 10:00am
Do you like the idea of birding but just haven’t had the chance to try it out? Join us for a morning birding excursion at Juden Creek Conservation Area. We will provide binoculars, field guides, and tips to help first-time birders have a successful experience. Please meet us at the Twin Trees City Park/Juden Creek Conservation Area parking lot at 1 E Cape Rock Drive in Cape Girardeau. We will walk a short distance on an easy-moderate trail with some hills. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Be right on target! Try your hand at archery and experience a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. All archery equipment will be provided and disinfected between participants. Adult supervision is required for ages 9-17. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather. In the event of rain, this program will be cancelled.
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