Date: Friday, May 5, 2023 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm this evening.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Whether you’ve never shot a bow and arrow or you have your own at home, come try out the nature center’s range for a friendly competition. We’ll start with the basics and get a little practice, then we’ll compete to see who the best teen archer is! All bows, arrows, and equipment will be provided. Conservation Teens programs are for participants ages 12-17. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Little River Conservation Area
Come learn how to use a GPS to find geographical markers in a fun way with Geocaching!!!! MDC staff, along with guest expert, Charles Youngblood, will help participants learn the ins and outs of using a GPS device and then explore the fun, adventures in the world of geocaching! Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. We will be meeting at the pavilion at Jerry P Combs Lake. There is limited seating on site, it is highly recommended to bring a lawn chair, and dress appropriately for the weather. If weather becomes inclement, we will reschedule. Check your email for updates.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Be right on target! Try your hand at archery and experience a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. All archery equipment will be provided. Adult supervision is required for ages 9-17. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather.
Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Missouri is home to many beautiful spring flowers but they’re only here for a little while. Practice your identification skills while we hike the trail in search of these jewels of the forest floor. We will also be making a flower press to take home.
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Busy beavers build impressive lodges to live in, but what else do they do? Come learn how these cool animals use their powerful teeth, flat tail, and webbed feet to make their lives easier. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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.
Date: Friday, May 26, 2023 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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 completed 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 Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023 9:30 am - 10:00 am
The forest is full of life! Discover the different animals that live among the trees. We will take a stroll on the trail to explore the many layers of the forest while looking for the wild creatures that live within. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddler ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Snakes are often feared because they’re misunderstood. Do you wish you knew more about these secretive reptiles? Here’s your chance! Come meet some of the nature center snakes, learn to identify common snakes, and how to tell venomous from nonvenomous species. We’ll also talk about the benefits of having snakes around.
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Spring is in full swing, and our plants and animals are busy! From blooming flowers to growing baby animals there are many sights, sounds, smells, and textures to enjoy this season. Join us for several sensory-friendly, spring-themed activities and stations. This program is designed to be inclusive to children of all ages and abilities.
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Calling all grandparents! Bring your grandkids for a fun-filled morning of fishing and canoeing at the nature center. After our adventure we’re celebrate with a fish-fry lunch. This program requires walking on paved areas and assistance will be provided to help participants safely enter and exit the canoes. All instruction and equipment are provided. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our three day “Grand” Adventure series, you are welcome to sign up for a single program or all three days of fun. Adults and children should all register separately so we have an accurate count of participants.
Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Old Plantation Access
Calling all grandparents! Bring your grandkids and join us for fun in the sun at Whitewater Creek near Millersville. Participants will meet at Old Plantation Access Conservation Area and take a short walk to the stream. Here we will splash, play, and learn about the critters that call Missouri’s streams home. This program requires walking over gravel and moderately uneven terrain. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our three day “Grand” Adventure series, you are welcome to sign up for a single program or all three days of fun. Adults and children should all register separately so we have an accurate count of participants.
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2023 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Calling all grandparents! Swamps may seem spooky at first, but they are important habitats for beautiful birds, bugs, and other awesome critters. This adventure will have you and your grandkids exploring the nature center swamps and meeting the totally cool animals that live above and below the water. After our time outside we will bring some samples back to the lab and look at the swamp life in miniature! The walk to and from the swamp is on gravel paths which are at times steep, total distance is about a quarter mile. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. This program is part of our three day “Grand” Adventure series, you are welcome to sign up for a single program or all three days of fun. Adults and children should all register separately so we have an accurate count of participants.
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Spring in southeast Missouri is in full bloom! Join us for a leisurely ½ mile hike over easy trails at Trail of Tears State Park to take in the joy of spring wildflowers. Meet at Cape Nature Center and ride with us to the destination. Please bring a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and weather appropriate clothing. You may also wish to have binoculars, a camera, and a snack.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The arts of music and photography combine as the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes popular northwest musical artist John Nilsen for a statewide tour* of live performances at five of its Nature Centers. The concerts are free and open to the public. Nilsen is a noted pianist and acoustic musician who comes from Portland, Oregon. Nilsen is a sought-after performer throughout the U.S. He has performed in all 50 states and on four continents. As a Yamaha signature artist, Nilsen travels internationally playing over 225 performances a year. For this multi-media engagement, Nilsen will compliment his nature-inspired music with the spectacular landscape and wildlife images of MDC Photographer Noppadol Paothong. Paothong’s photography can be seen regularly in MDC’s Missouri Conservationist magazine, as well as many other MDC publications. Notable album releases by Nilsen on the Magic Wing label include, Places I Go, Local Ocean, and the folk-rock CD, John Nilsen and SWIMFISH. More details on Nilsen’s work can be found at johnnilsen.com.
Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program featuring a different nature-themed board game and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though these games often have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to and may be most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.
Date: Friday, May 12, 2023 5:30 pm - Saturday, May 13, 2023 5:00 pm
Enjoy the accomplishment of making things for your home and decorating with all things rustic? Learn about the process of stripping hickory for basket weaving, while learning to make your very own wooden handled free-form basket. With the materials provided you will not only have a unique piece but a practical one. This program is designed for ages 18 and up. NOTE: advanced weaving skills are a must, participants must have adequate hand strength and dexterity.
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Location: Juden Creek Conservation Area
Head outside and see what’s blooming! In the spring months our woodlands are carpeted with beautiful spring ephemerals taking advantage of the sunlight reaching the forest floor. We will walk at a leisurely pace in search of wildflowers that bloom near Juden Creek. 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. Portions of the trail are muddy and slick after a recent rain. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Please make sure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Plant families can be confusing! Did you know pesky poison ivy is related to the charming cashew? Join us for an introductory look at how botanists organize plants and explore some of the surprising relationships between Missouri’s native flora and other famous plants in your kitchen and elsewhere.
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Snakes are often feared because they’re misunderstood. Do you wish you knew more about these secretive reptiles? Here’s your chance! Tune in to meet some of the nature center snakes, learn to identify common snakes, and how to tell venomous from nonvenomous species. We’ll also talk about the benefits of having snakes around.
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Summer is growing near, it’s time to get outside and enjoy nature! Come join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for an afternoon of fishing for the whole family. Rods and bait will be provided as well as instructions, so no experience is required. Visitors of all ages are welcome. This program is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series and the building and exhibits will remain open during the program.
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