Discover Nature Events

***RESCHEDULED for Saturday, May 3rd***

Join a naturalist on a guided 2.6-mile hike through Valley View Glades Natural Area in Hillsboro, Missouri. Hikes will be held during all four seasons in 2025, and we will discuss the changes happening on this beautiful and diverse trail throughout the year! Keep an eye out for more dates to come! Please note: this is a rugged, natural-surface trail that may not be suitable for beginner hikers. For this reason, all participants should be 16 years old or older. Make sure to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!

Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Walk-in (ages 3-6) Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool - kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Do you have a kiddo that loves to craft and learn new things? Bring them to needle felting at Powder Valley! We will be learning about Missouri’s beautiful butterflies while making our own butterflies using 2-D needle felting, which is the art of shaping wool fibers to make images on fabric.

Adults and children 8 years of age and older are welcome. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, as we will be working with sharp objects. Supplies are limited, so please make sure to register ALL participants ahead of time, including children and accompanying adults.

**Please note: we are offering two dates for this class, so be aware of which one you register for!

Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/get-involved (adults) It's one thing to read about native plants and another to get your hands dirty. Learn seasonal skills, feel empowered and enjoy camaraderie alongside native gardening experts and enthusiasts! This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Join us for our monthly stroll along the trails of Powder Valley to enjoy the seasonal wonders of nature. What wonderful plants, animals and scenery will we encounter? We will discuss all the new wonders we discover in this particular time of year. Dress for the weather.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are back for the summer! These little jewels are beautiful and entertaining visitors to your garden. Learn all about hummingbirds, then make your very own mini hummingbird feeder! All materials will be provided. Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time, including children.

Registration required (adults) Go on a journey with two educators as they bridge connections between local bird species and native plants. Discover how native flowers, trees and shrubs are essential to birds and vice versa! Whether you want to learn about birds, plants or their interactions, join us for the perfect blend during this outdoor adventure. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

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 to the hike location will be provided. This hike takes place at 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.

Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians. Youth and adult organizations welcome.