Join MDC for fun and informative events throughout May across the Southwest Region

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Take a break from the daily grind and attend free programming and events offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) throughout the month of May. From a native plant sale in Joplin to flint knapping in Springfield, there’s usually a fun activity happening in the Southwest Region.

MDC’s Birding Challenge is underway, so buckle up for various birding events throughout the southwest region, such as:

• Grab a favorite coffee or tea and join the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center and partners in Joplin for a one-mile walk during Birds & Brews from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 2. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/217157
• Hummingbirds are making their way north, so don’t miss Hummingbirds of Summer with the Springfield Conservation Nature Center in Springfield from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Master hummingbird bander Sara Driver will show a closer look at Missouri’s smallest bird. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/216715

Spring is an excellent time to get outside, and residents are invited to various recreation events spanning kayaking, hiking, and more, like:

• Celebrate the school term coming to an end with a 3.5-mile hike with Springfield Conservation Nature Center at Fellows Lake from 2:45-6 p.m. Thursday, May 7. Learn more and register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/217300
• Grab a camera and attend Twilight Tunes and Native Blooms as MDC staff guide a group for a meadow hike in Golden City. Attendees will listen to the prairie mole cricket, ID plants, and more from 6:45-8:45 p.m. Thursday, May 7. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/216458
• Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host two kayak events in May. Learn about Missouri’s native wetland and habitats on Lake Springfield from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 21, and 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 22. Register for one session either May 21 at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/217302 or May 22 at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/217308

MDC also hosts virtual programs covering a wide range of topics, such as:

• Learn about the different sounds fine feathered friends make with a virtual program, Warblers for Newbies, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Friday, May 1. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/216704
• The state has many edible plants waiting to be sustainably foraged. Learn about Wild Edibles 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 7. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/216615
• Missouri is home to at least 11 species of lizards. Explore each species and how to identify them with the Lizards of Missouri virtual program from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 22. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/216717

A thorough list of events spanning the southwest region and across Missouri may be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/events

MDC is committed to accessibility at all of its nature centers, regional facilities, conservation areas, and public programs. To request ADA accommodation for participation in an MDC program, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.