Events

River Region Photography Association presents "The Visions of Nature."

The members of the R.R.P.A. enjoy spending time in the natural areas of Missouri, photographing the flora, fauna and landscapes that make the state unique. Please enjoy their visions, then go out and enjoy your own piece of nature.

Stop by anytime this month to see this exhibit.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.

Spring is in the air! Birds are calling, wildlife is emerging from cold weather dens, and the beauty of Missouri’s spring wildflowers is on full display. Join us for a introductory look at spring “ephemeral” wildflowers, those that bloom and grow before the canopy of leaves shade them out. This hike will meet at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center and transportation will be provided to Trail of Tears State Park, about 25 minutes from Cape Girardeau. The goal of these leisurely walks is to provide a wonderful nature experience to a wide diversity of ability levels as the hike is largely on gravel roadways and flat trails. There may, however, be uneven terrain on occasion. Please bring sturdy athletic or hiking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

Recruit some help this gardening season by building a toad garden! We will learn all about toads and why these bumpy amphibians are so nice to have in our gardens. We will provide all the supplies you need to design and create your very own toad garden to take home.

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. Youth and adult organizations welcome.

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 lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation nature Center.

Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Sure, you’ve done a wildflower hike, but this could be your first wildflower float! Join us on Big Creek and the St Francis River near Sam A. Baker State Park for a unique way to experience spring. Knowledgeable guides will help you explore this small, clear creek and learn a little about the bounty of spring wildflowers blooming along the stream in this spectacular landscape. All skill levels are welcome; however, the upper part of this creek is often shallow and may require walking some sections. Transportation is provided from the nature center and a full itinerary and packing list will be provided prior to the trip via email. Please dress for the possibility of getting wet and bring appropriate water shoes, a bottle of water, and a pack lunch. Weather and river levels in spring may change the exact details of the float.

What looks like a spikey dinosaur patrolling the murky bottoms of our southeast Missouri swamps is actually the largest species of freshwater turtle in North America. Join us as we dive into the natural history of this turtle and separate fact from fiction.

Come visit during the month of May to see artwork from a local homeschool group, featured in our auditorium. This groups loves to meet up to hike, play, and learn about the outside world together. They believe that time in nature is valuable even on the not-so-beautiful days. Various artwork pieces will be represented.

Please welcome “Birds and Butterflies,

and Other Nature Scenes of Missouri” by artist, Joseph Parish.

This exhibit is multimedia, with the various works being done in classic

watercolor, opaque watercolor (French Gouache), acrylic, oils, and

photography.

The work is inspired mostly from original photographs taken by the artist in

Missouri and the Midwest ranging from his own backyard to the Mississippi

Flyway.