This month's nature story will be all about turtles! After the story you will get to meet a box turtle and color!  Click here to register.

Get an up-close look at the fascinating feeding habits of Missouri venomous snakes! Join Powder Valley naturalists for the feeding of our captive snakes while learning more about the interesting lives of both copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Open to all ages. Click here to register.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby. 

Join us at Powder Valley Nature Center as we welcome Earth's Classroom to make a presentation on the Unique and Crazy Creatures of Missouri.

The nature center doors will open at 6 pm so participants can tour the exhibits. MDC staff will also have live animals on hand so you can observe some of our odder creatures up close before the program. Click here to register.

Warm spring days bring rapid changes to the landscape. Walk the trail past the upland prairie and head down to the Missouri River. Along the trail through the woods, look for more ephemerals that have made their appearance in the past 2 weeks since our March 23 hike. We are not allowed to pick them, so bring your camera to get pictures to keep long after those beauties have bloomed.

You may finish the hike by climbing up the historic Grand Staircase or continue the trail to the top.

Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy. Dress for the weather and wear boots or shoes that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and walking stick if you have one. Click here to register.

Meet the naturalist guide in the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

Don your headlamps and join us for a night hike to see and hear our slimy amphibian friends making their way to water for Spring around August A Busch Conservation Area. We will meet in the classroom of the main building for a short amphibian ID presentation, then caravan to our night hike destination in search of some cold-blooded critters.

Be prepared to get dirty as we explore the site’s ponds and surrounding areas. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight/headlamp. Sturdy shoes or rubber boots are recommended.

Difficulty = Moderate: natural, gravel, and paved surface hiking at night. The number of amphibians expected to be seen will depend on the weather. Best results will be when temperatures stay above 50 degrees F at night, especially after rain. Because of this, there is a small possibility this program will be rescheduled to April 6th or April 12th to take advantage of optimal temperatures and weather.

Please register each person attending individually. Click here to register.

Come check out all the aquatic critters that are on the move at Dardenne Creek. We will splash, play, and learn about the critters that call Missouri’s streams home. We will also discuss the importance of keeping our streams healthy. Instructors will provide nets for collecting and observing aquatic animals. Please bring water shoes or rubber boots, and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Participants will meet at the August A. Busch Conservation Area Visitor’s Center, then caravan to the creek access site. Please register each participant separately. Click here to register.

Join volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you improve your blending and shading skills when painting flowers.

All materials will be provided. Click here to register.

Join an MDC Naturalist at Tower Grove Park to learn about some of Missouri’s native amphibian species and go on a geocaching adventure to practice your amphibian ID skills! We’ll meet at the Stone Shelter, learn some awesome amphibian facts, go over how to use GPS units and geocaching basics before setting off on our amazing amphibian adventure.

This program will be entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Click here to register.

Crochet is a great hobby to connect with nature whether crocheting outside in nature or crocheting a nature project! At this Nature Crocheters session, we’ll learn about some of Missouri’s native frog species, and crochet a fun frog keychain!

For this class, you should know how to crochet and be familiar with chain, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet to participate in this program. Please email the instructor if you’d like instructional videos to learn these stitches.

All supplies will be provided including yarn and a 3.5mm crochet hook. You are welcome to bring your own supplies as well.

We will meet at the Stone Shelter at Tower Grove Park, and weather dependent, the program will be entirely outdoors, so dress accordingly. In the case of inclement weather, we will be inside at the Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office. An email will be sent out to participants the week of the program to verify the location.

Please register each participant individually. Click here to register.

Join us at Emmenegger Park for our springtime hike. What signs of spring will we encounter – birds, bees, buds, bugs? Which flowers will be blooming? Enjoy a tasty snack in the fresh air! Dress for the weather. Click here to register.

Emmenegger Park is located at: 11991 Stoneywood Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63122

Join us at Emmenegger Park for our springtime hike. What signs of spring will we encounter – birds, bees, buds, bugs? Which flowers will be blooming? Enjoy a tasty snack in the fresh air! Dress for the weather. Click here to register.

Emmenegger Park is located at: 11991 Stoneywood Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63122

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Spring has sprung, and so have the flowers! Join an MDC naturalist for a hike centered around spring ephemerals. Learn about the different species, their historical uses, and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. This hike will take place on the Hickory Ridge trail on the long loop, which measures about 1.25 miles long. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for some inclines and declines. Meet the naturalist at the frog statue in front of the nature center. Click here to register.

Amphibians and reptiles are fascinating creatures. Join us for an interactive program to learn all about the similarities and differences of these special animals, their unique adaptations, and the habitats they call home. Enjoy an up-close visit with one of our animal ambassadors.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

Please register all children and adults attending individually. Click here to register.

Are you struggling to get birds at your feeder? Come to Powder Valley to learn some tips to make your feeders more productive and find out how we manage our feeders. Click here to register.

Join Volunteer Pickett Lema for a hands-on lesson in watercolors. In this lesson Pickett will help you improve your perspective painting skills. We encourage you to bring a photo of a Missouri landscape.

All supplies will be provided. Click here to register.

Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) is one of the most common trees in Missouri’s forests. Not only do many wildlife species rely on the shagbark hickory, but people use hickory for wood, smoking meats, eating the savory nuts, and making bark syrup. Participants will learn how to identify shagbark hickory trees on a short hike on the Fallen Oak Trail (.7 miles). After, we will discuss the process of turning the bark into tasty syrup while enjoying some freshly made syrup with pancakes. Click here to register.

Please register each participant separately. Please notify the program instructor of any food allergies.

Spring is around the corner, and animals and insects will be looking for new homes. Build habitats for nature with recyclable household items and bits of nature. Construct apiary apartments, bird bungalows, and toad abodes for those looking for new homes this spring. Click here to register.

Witness a “marsh concert” presented by the toads and frogs of Missouri.

Join us for an evening out on the levees at the Marias Temps Clair Conservation Area. We will learn how to identify toads and frogs by their calls. Please bring a small flashlight, water, snacks, and dress for the weather. Click here to register.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Have you ever wondered about the sights and sounds of Powder Valley at dusk? Grab your hiking boots and join a naturalist on a guided hike for an evening of learning. Click here to register.

This program is for people who are interested in hiking but aren’t sure how to start or those who want to brush up on their skills. Information presented will include the basics of hiking, clothes and equipment needed, hiking with children and pets, knowing your health status, and hiking etiquette.

A short hike will follow after the program.

Meet at the Pavilion. Please register each person attending individually. Click here to register.

April is Citizen Science Month! We’ll explore what citizen science is and highlight a few projects related to urban ecosystems that anyone can participate in, including Project Squirrel, iSeaTree, iNaturalist and more! Learn how to discover new projects to contribute to research around the world. We will explore the nearby Brightside Demo Garden and Shaw neighborhood (weather permitting) to begin our citizen science adventure. Click here to register.

With spring in full swing MO amphibians are starting to come out. People misidentify frogs and toads often this time of year. Learn the key differences between them and meet a few of the frogs and toads we have in the nature center. Click here to register.

Want to see spring wildflowers and hike with a group? Meet at the pavilion for an introduction. We hope to find bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, trillium, wild phlox, and spring beauty. Rockwoods is a little piece of the Ozarks close to home. According to MDC, “The terrain is reminiscent of the Ozark hills and many plants and animals found in hill country are also found here.”

We will hike about 2 miles. The hike includes hills and stairs. Picnic facilities are available if you want to bring your lunch.

Dress for the weather and protection from poison ivy. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring water and magnifying glass if you have one. Please register each participant individually. Click here to register.

Witness a “marsh concert” presented by the toads and frogs of Missouri.

Join us for an evening out on the levees at the Marias Temps Clair Conservation Area. We will learn how to identify toads and frogs by their calls. Please bring a small flashlight, water, snacks, and dress for the weather. Click here to register.

Celebrate Earth Day by reconnecting with nature. Join an MDC naturalist for a hike at Emmenegger Nature Park and enjoy a walk through the woods. While on this hike, learn about the benefits of being in nature and practice hands-on nature immersion techniques. This hike will take place on the Bluff Creek trail on the long loop, which is about 2 miles long. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for steep inclines and declines. Meet the naturalist at the trailhead located at the larger parking lot on the south end of the park. Click here to register.

Calling all parents! bring your little one and a stroller to enjoy a spring day. Join us on a hike along Broken Ridge Trail (2/3 mile) as we explore all the spring wonders Powder Valley has to offer.

Please note, only parents will need to register. You do not have to register your child. Click here to register.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby. 

All ages (should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike)

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 86 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees. We will meet at the Rockwoods Visitor Center. Click here to register.

Do you have a burning wildlife question? Ask a highly trained Powder Valley naturalist in-person.

Snakes are one of the most highly misunderstood and feared animals in nature. Learn how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species for our Missouri Species and dispel some of the popular myths you may have heard. Having the ability to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous can help dissipate your fear of these amazing creatures. Learn about Missouri snakes and gain an appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles and make a fun craft afterwards! Click here to register.

Now that it is warm again bass fishing season is upon us. Learn how to approach spring and summer bass fishing from a former college angler and high school fishing coach. Click here to register.

Carnivore, Herbivore, or Omnivore? Let’s learn all about what, how, and why Missouri mammals are eating! Together we’ll investigate a few awesome animals, looking at their teeth, their habitat and their scat to determine what they might be eating. Afterwards, each participant will be able to make and accessorize their very own slime to take home inspired by one of the animals they learned about.

All materials will be provided, including disposable gloves for slime making. It is recommended to bring an old t-shirt or smock for slime making.

Please register each individual who will be making slime. Parents who will not be making their own slime do not need to register. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Click here to register.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who calls Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby. Click here to register.