Discover Nature Events

Leave your phone at home and take this chance to relax and reconnect with nature. Time in nature is healing, an opportunity to slow down and focus.

Class may take place outdoors if weather permits. Otherwise, we'll practice indoors with suggestions to further your nature time after class. This program is beginner-friendly and mats are provided; however, you are welcome to bring your own mat and other props. Please wear comfortable clothing and we encourage you to bring your own water bottle.

Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by a participating adult. Please register both people. Only those registered may attend program.

Jennifer Gardner is a Yoga Alliance registered teacher, and has been teaching yoga since 2019. She is native to southeast Missouri and is very passionate about gardening, birding, and conservation in general. Jennifer also teaches yoga at various locations around the area. If you would like to learn more about Yoga, or where else you can find Jennifer’s classes, please email her at [email protected]

Discover Missouri trees with a Tree ID hike through Engler park’s trails aimed at teaching how to identify native Missouri tree species. Aimed to be a little more in depth for those interested in dendrology or looking to pick up a new skill.

The hike will explore how to use several tree features such as buds, tree bark, and leaves to try and accurately ID common tree species.

The hike will begin at Engler Park parking lot B and go through several areas of the trails.

Engler Park’s trails include both graveled and unpaved trails. These trails can be defined as easy trails however they are non-ADA.

The unpaved trails have minimal slope, are not as wide, and there are a few areas where it can be rocky.

Powder Valley does Halloween! Put on your costume and bring your candy buckets down to Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center for a night of family-friendly fun! Take a stroll down our Tanglevine Trail and visit our Species Stations to learn all about Missouri’s most misunderstood wildlife. Decide for yourself if they’re as spooky as they seem!

Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome!

Tanglevine trail is a relatively flat, paved trail that runs approximately 1/3 of a mile and is both stroller and wheelchair friendly. The trail should take around 30 minutes to complete.

Costumes with face masks will not be permitted for guests over the age of 14.

You are cordially invited to the Moth Ball – an enchanting affair at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Meet fellow nature lovers, ages 18 and above, for a charming event dedicated to moths, butterflies, and other marvelous insects! Adorn your head with antennae and don your finest set of gossamer wings to compete for prizes in our Bug Costume Contest. Test your knowledge in nature trivia and get creative with insect art while enjoying a mocktail with our “paint and sip” activity. Meet new folks, learn something new, and have a moth-tastic time! Ages 18 and up. Registration required.

Note: Participants may register and attend only one of Runge's monthly Wednesday or Saturday all-day hiking programs.

Put on your hiking shoes and join volunteers from Runge Nature Center for a guided hike at Spring Creek Gap (Marie’s County); 4.1 miles – moderate with some steep rocky inclines. Meet at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling will be necessary as there is limited space in our vehicles. Hike leaders will contact participants via email before the hike to give directions and other information. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Note: Registration closes on October 22 at 8 AM. Ages 18+

Crawl on in to learn more about our itsy bitsy, eight-legged friends. Although some might fear these web-spinning arachnids, we will reveal why they are important. Learn how to safely explore the world of spiders with your little ones as we spin tales of wonder and play!

Please note we have expanded the age range of our Little Acorns programs to include ages 0-2.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Crawl on in to learn more about our itsy bitsy, eight-legged friends. Although some might fear these web-spinning arachnids, we will reveal why they are important. Learn how to safely explore the world of spiders with your little ones as we spin tales of wonder and play!

Please note we have expanded the age range of our Little Acorns programs to include ages 0-2.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Registration required (all ages) Embrace the colors of Fall as we tour the grounds at the Discovery Center and learn why leaves change color. Bring your binoculars to see gray squirrels and be on the lookout for birds!

*If you do not have binoculars, we will provide them.

If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Crawl on in to learn more about our itsy bitsy, eight-legged friends. Although some might fear these web-spinning arachnids, we will reveal why they are important. Learn how to safely explore the world of spiders with your little ones as we spin tales of wonder and play!

Please note we have expanded the age range of our Little Acorns programs to include ages 0-2.

Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Registration required (all ages) Embrace the colors of Fall as we tour the grounds at the Discovery Center and learn why leaves change color. Bring your binoculars to see gray squirrels and be on the lookout for birds!

*If you do not have binoculars, we will provide them.

If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.