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.

What goes hop, hop, hop in the night, has bumpy skin, and likes to eat worms? A toad, of course! Discover the importance of toads through playing games and exploring outside. 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.

With the cold finally giving way to some warmer weather it is time for some of Missouri’s residents to wake up and start their year. Learn about what animals who will be peaking their heads back out or traveling back to MO. Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Links will be sent at least 30 minutes before program start.

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 an 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 Seventy-Six Conservation Area, about 40 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 shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks, and snacks would all be welcome accessories as well.

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 to complete 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 the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

The nature center is partnering with the Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department to clean up Cape LaCroix Creek during their annual Friends of the Park Day. Gather your friends, family, or organization to help bring the beauty back to the creek between Walden Park and Shawnee Sports Complex. We’ll meet at the nature center to distribute supplies and assign locations. If you register prior to April 5 at 5 pm, lunch and T-shirts will be provided at Capaha Park. Youth and adult groups welcome.

Red, blue, white, and green; what beautiful colors appear in spring! Learn about the beautiful blooms in spring and participate in some fun and flowery sensory activities and crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Red, blue, white, and green; what beautiful colors appear in spring! Learn about the beautiful blooms in spring and participate in some fun and flowery sensory activities and crafts. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.

Celebrate the spring season by heading out on a scavenger hunt! It will be fun for the whole family as you search for 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.

This class is a series of 12 programs that meets once each month, all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful, embroidery techniques as we explore some iconic, as well as secretive wildflowers in Missouri. These flowers will range from our Ozark mountain glades to our lowland swamps. Attending each class will acquaint you with each flower’s habitat needs, bloom period, and light requirements. In addition, you will learn more about who pollinates the plant and who might depend on the plant for food. Come learn about pollinators such as monarch butterflies, bumble bees, moths and even gnats!

By signing up you will have the opportunity to complete 17 blocks. Which will allow you to create a large quilt with enough extras for pillows or wall art.

Programs will typically be held on the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm via the online WebEx platform.

Links to the WebEx and thread colors for that program will be sent to the registration email prior to the meeting time. Patterns for tracing, information cards, and photos of examples will be sent to that same email after the completion of each program. You will need to supply your own fabric, embroidery hoop, needle, and thread.