Events

This virtual program is part four of a multi part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part four, "Bow Drill Fire-Starting” learn how to build and use this foundational fire-starting tool. Start time will be 12:05 PM using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the log in information 24 hours prior to the event.

A Missouri summer may be relaxing, but it’s hardly quiet! We’ll discuss who is singing during these summer months and learn about the animals around you. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Join us for a guided hike as we learn about turtles and keep our eyes peeled for these shelled reptiles. All ages.

Join MDC staff and live snakes as they visit Joplin Public Library Children's during their summer reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

We will hit the trails and head down to the creek to see what’s happening in the water. Wear shoes that can get wet as we will be wading up to our knees to capture small creatures and have fun! ***Please note the changed time for this program.*** Conservation Kids is designed for kids ages 7-12 and their adult caregivers. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend as families will do activities together.

Pinch pinch! Whether you call them crawdads, mudbugs, crayfish, crawfish, or something else entirely, these water invertebrates are a ton of fun. We'll view live crayfish and learn about their life cycle.

Lighting up the summertime night sky are hundreds of magical beetles putting on a beautiful light show! Join us for Little Acorns: Firefly Magic to learn about these glowing bugs and make a firefly craft to take home!

Pinch pinch! Whether you call them crawdads, mudbugs, crayfish, crawfish, or something else entirely, these water invertebrates are a ton of fun. We'll view live crayfish and learn about their life cycle.

Meet us at the Lake Springfield Boathouse for a few hours of fun on the water. Learn kayaking techniques, then put them to the test on the lake. We will paddle 2–4 miles, looking for wildlife along the way. Please bring a water bottle. All equipment, snacks, extra drinking water, life jackets, and sunscreen will be provided.

Pinch pinch! Whether you call them crawdads, mudbugs, crayfish, crawfish, or something else entirely, these water invertebrates are a ton of fun. We'll view live crayfish and learn about their life cycle.