Events

Come on over to Rockwoods Reservation for afternoon of Spelunking! We will begin this program in the classroom at the Rockwoods Education Center, where we will learn more about caves in Missouri, what kind of critters we might find in them, and why our cave ecosystems are so special! After about 45 minutes in the classroom, we will gear up in our helmets and knee pads and head to Bathtub Cave to do some exploring.

**Note: You will have to crawl into the entrance and crawl in the cave. The very beginning of this cave is roughly 1 foot tall.

Please dress appropriately for the weather and for 55-degree temperatures. Please wear pants and a long sleeve shirt that you do not mind getting dirty. An extra change of clothes, water, and a snack is recommended.

Helmets and one flashlight will be provided. Please wear rubber boots as well and bring 2 additional sources of light (such as headlamps or flashlights).

If large clusters of bats are encountered, the field trip portion will be cut short. Program will be canceled in inclement weather and rescheduled at a different date.

Please register each person who attends to go into the cave individually. Others are welcome to tag along for the classroom portion only.

Registration will open May 15th.

***Only the age range (7 and up) will be allowed in the cave.***

There is more than one way to connect with nature. Powder Valley volunteer, Pickett, is ready to show you how to use lighting themes in watercolor. All are welcome, no experience required! All materials are provided.

Snakes are one of the most highly misunderstood and feared animals in nature. Learn how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species for our Missouri Species, and dispel some of the popular myths you may have heard. Having the ability to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous can help dissipate your fear of these amazing creatures. Learn about Missouri Snakes and gain an appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles and make a fun craft afterwards!

This class covers the basic equipment, materials, and techniques needed to reload metallic cartridges and produce custom loads suited to your handgun for the particular target or game you are pursing. We will demonstrate the process and then give you some hands-on experience reloading handgun cartridges.

Beat the heat this summer and go on a morning hike at Claire Gempp Davidson Conservation Area. We will explore the history and emerging wildlife this unique area has to offer.

Join a naturalist to explore the differences between common frogs and toads in our area. We will also get a chance to meet Powder Valley's frogs and toads.

Join us for a morning of nature fun learning all about animal tracks. We will strengthen your preschooler’s connection to nature by playing a game, reading a book, and making a craft.

Meet at the Visitor Center. Please register everyone attending.

Siblings are welcome, but please note this class is designed for ages 2–6. Register the older siblings as well.

Missouri is home to some unique and curious critters. Come learn about Missouri mammals and what makes them special. After the lesson you will leave with a foot impression of your favorite Missouri mammal.

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site. Please dress for the weather. (TGP- Rebecca)

Join us virtually to learn about biomimicry! Biomimicry is all around us, from the way we clasp our shoes to how our coats keep us warm in the winter. Humans take inspiration from nature to make technology and designs more effective. We’ll explore biomimicry throughout history and how scientists today are still studying nature’s remarkable features to create new and efficient designs for the future.

A Webex link for the program will be emailed to all registrants the day before the program, as well as the morning of the program. Make sure you’re registered to receive the Webex link.