Discover Nature Events

Read a picture book as you walk along the Nature Center trails. The StoryWalk®, available June 17-30, is provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library. All ages. No registration required.

Spend the day on the water paddling and exploring the beautiful Gasconade River, floating from Rollins Ferry to Pointers Creek Access (7 miles). This guided adventure offers a fun and scenic way to experience one of Missouri’s most iconic rivers. Round-trip transportation from Runge Nature Center is provided along with kayaks, paddles, and a personal flotation device. Participants need to pack a lunch, bring a water bottle and wear close-toed shoes that can get wet. Parents/caregivers must complete a permission form for the participant before joining the event. Forms can be picked up from Runge and/or will be e-mailed out prior to the event.

Registration required (adults) Grab your walking shoes and get ready for a leisurely paced hike through the West Bottoms neighborhood. Covering roughly 2.5 miles, this flat hike will utilize sidewalks, brick streets and grassy lawns to explore nature in this historic neighborhood. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID and hiking safety. The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to the to the participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Let’s get messy! This outdoor sensory adventure will explore mud, water, and natural materials as children mix, scoop, and create in a mud kitchen setting. It’s all about imagination, discovery, and letting the magic of messy play unfold. Wear clothes that can get dirty. A water hose will be available to clean off after the program, so a towel and an extra pair of clean clothes are encouraged as well.

Have you ever noticed rock piles in streams or brightly colored fish? You may have seen signs of breeding activity. Learn about native fish behaviors and breeding patterns in this virtual program. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Slow down and enjoy learning the art of cooking outdoors in a Dutch oven, a versatile and historic way to prepare delicious food. From the main dish to dessert, participants will prepare the food and sample the tasty results. MDC & Rolla Parks & Rec. will provide ingredients, cookware, and expertise. You bring your interest, and enthusiasm, Final Dutch oven samples will be provided, but not enough for a meal. Registration required. Ages 12+

Let’s get messy! This outdoor sensory adventure will explore mud, water, and natural materials as children mix, scoop, and create in a mud kitchen setting. It’s all about imagination, discovery, and letting the magic of messy play unfold. Wear clothes that can get dirty. A water hose will be available to clean off after the program, so a towel and an extra pair of clean clothes are encouraged as well.

Get ready to explore a world so tiny, you can’t even see it with your own eyes! Discover amazing micro-animals such as tardigrades (also call “water bears”), copepods, and nematodes. Using microscopes and simple experiments, we’ll learn how these little creatures survive in a giant world. Get ready for a big adventure with really, really small animals!

Celebrate Missouri's most magical insect at Phelps Grove Park! Bring your family and make a firefly craft, play games, and learn why fireflies blink. Stop by the pavilion anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. For best firefly viewing, plan to arrive closer to 9 pm.

All ages. No registration required.

Turtles, Lizards, and Snakes – oh my! Discover Missouri reptiles from their scales to their tails, including what makes them unique and why they are so important. Registration is required and be sure to include your email address. The presenter will send the program link both the day before and one hour before the program begins. This program is geared toward young audiences, but all ages are welcome to register!