Events

Ha Ha Tonka State Park has many attractions, including springs, caves, sinkholes, and a castle. We will hike 4-5 miles on trails rated moderate to difficult. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and binoculars if you like. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool.

Celebrate Missouri's most magical insect at Fireflies at Farmers Park! Stop by the garden area of Farmers Park anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. Bring your family to make a firefly craft, play firefly games, and learn why fireflies blink. Come closer to 9 pm to catch fireflies. Nature Center staff and volunteers will be around to answer questions and offer fun facts. Check out the live band and food vendors at the Farmers Park courtyard, too. All ages.

Have an adventure at the Nature Center and learn different ways to enjoy the outdoors as we team up with the Springfield-Greene County Library during their summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. Bring your entire family to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities, stories, crafts and more. Drop by anytime and plan on spending at least an hour. The Mobile Library will be present during the program, so bring your library card. All ages.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

See live snakes at Schifferdecker Park. Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person. Conservation in the Parks is a partnership event hosted by Joplin Parks and Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

With so many great places to go backpacking in the Ozarks, why not give it a try? Learn where to go, what to take, and how to prepare for a backpacking trip. This program is designed for adults, but all ages are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Kingfishers are cool little birds with a big voice and lots of personality. We will learn where they live, what they eat, and more!

Kingfishers are cool little birds with a big voice and lots of personality. We will learn where they live, what they eat, and more!

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

Volunteer Naturalist Myra Scroggs will help you find some common nesting birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 to adult.