Springfield Conservation Nature Center Announces May Event Calendar
(Registration begins May 1 unless otherwise noted.)
EVENTS:
Temporary Exhibit at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for the month of May and June 2018: Nature Inspired by Joyce Yarbrough
Thursday, May 3 — Birds Passing Through Warbler Walk — 8 to 10 a.m.
Celebrate Migratory Bird Day by learning to identify migrating warblers. Many species of warblers don’t stay, so enjoy these passing birds now with guest naturalist Bo Brown. The program will include 30 minutes indoors, followed by a guided trail hike. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Ages 10-adult. Online registration begins April 15 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Saturday, May 5 — Birds Passing Through Warbler Walk — 8 to 10 a.m.
Celebrate Migratory Bird Day by learning to identify migrating warblers. Many species of warblers don’t stay, so enjoy these passing birds now with guest Naturalist Bo Brown. The program will include 30 minutes indoors followed by a guided trail hike. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Ages 10-adult. Online registration begins April 15 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Saturday, May 5 — Photo Nature Walk — 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Bring your camera and take a closer look at nature photography with volunteer naturalist Dan Liles. We’ll take photos of plants, birds and insects. Afterward, we will discuss tools and techniques and review photos. Ages 12-adult. Online registration begins April 15 at mdc. mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Saturday, May 5 — Geocaching For Beginners With Smartphones — 1 to 4 p.m.
Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors, bring your youngster(s) and join Corps of Engineers GIS specialist Tricia Tannehill to learn a new outdoor skill. During this geocaching and outdoor “treasure” hunt you will use your smartphone. We’ll go over basics of how a GPS works, the “official” Geocaching App and website, then hit the trail to find a “treasure” with your smartphones. One smartphone per family required. Dress for the weather. Ages 8 and older with an adult mentor. Online registration begins April 15 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Sunday, May 6 — Primitive Skills Series: Flint Knapping Demonstration — 1 to 3 p.m.
Volunteer Naturalist and primitive skills specialist Don Brink returns for another primitive skills session. Watch him and his grandson, Roin Green, transform simple rocks into artistic and functional points similar to the ones used by early man for arrowheads and other tools. See the basics of flint knapping and try your hand at this age-old skill. Stop by anytime. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Sunday, May 6 — Summer Hummers — 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Here is your chance to see a ruby-throated hummingbird up close. Join master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver to learn more about this winged jewel while attempting to capture some for banding. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Tuesday, May 8 — CLOSED — TRUMAN DAY Wednesday, May 9 — Story Time with Ms. Ladybug — 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Join volunteer naturalist Joyce Toliver as she reads a nature story and shares activities with 2- to 6-yearolds. No organized groups, please. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Friday, May 11 — Behind the Lens by Matt Miles — 1 to 2 p.m.
Please register at the Nature Conservancy’s website: nature.org/moevents. We are teaming with The Nature Conservancy in Missouri to present “Behind the Lens” by award-winning wildlife photographer Matt Miles. Matt will describe many of the rare and dramatic moments he has captured with his camera — images that are now featured in his new photo book, Missouri, Wild and Wonderful. Ages 12-adult.
Saturday, May 12 — Nature Art with a Chinese Brushstroke — 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Art instructor and nature enthusiast Hing Wah Hatch will increase your powers of observation as she demonstrates, step-by-step, how to capture the essence of local plants and animals through Chinese-style painting. Participants will go home with more nature knowledge and their own artistic masterpiece. Ages 8-adult. Online registration begins May 1, at mdc. mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information. Observers are welcome to stop by anytime.
Saturday, May 12 — Take A Hike — 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While known for trout fishing, Roaring River State Park also has an array of hiking trails. Volunteer naturalist Sandy Vaughn will help you become familiar with the trail system. Meet at the nature center and carpool. Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The hike is five miles and rated moderate to difficult. Ages 18-adults. Online registration begins May 1, at mdc.mo.gov/ SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Wednesday, May 16 — Little Acorns: Turtlemania — 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to noon or 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Get out of your shell and join us for some turtlemania. Learn more about Missouri’s turtles, see live ones, and make a turtle craft. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Friday, May 18 — Little Acorns: Big Mouth Bullfrogs — 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to noon or 1 to 1:45 p.m.
From tadpoles to adult bullfrogs, we’ll learn the life changes of frogs and why they are such good leapers. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-8884237 for more information.
Saturday, May 19 — Little Acorns: Big Mouth Bullfrogs — 10 to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to noon.
From tadpoles to adult bullfrogs, we’ll learn the life changes of frogs and why they are such good leapers. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-8884237 for more information.
Saturday, May 19 — Conservation TEENS: River Bugs — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Many different types of insects live in area streams. These insects help us determine the stream’s health. Come and learn different techniques of stream sampling and discover what lives in our local streams. Transportation will be provided. Pack water and a sack lunch. Ages 12-17. Online registration begins May 1, at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Thursday, May 24 — Our Nesting Birds — 9 to 11 a.m.
Late spring and early summer are busy times for birds. Volunteer naturalist Myra Scroggs will help find common nesting birds, as well as some that are not so easy to spot, during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7-adult. Online registration begins May 1, at mdc. mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Thursday, May 24 — Conservation Kids: Humdingers — 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Special guest Sarah Driver will join us for a look at Missouri’s smallest most energetic bird — the ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn how you can attract this winged jewel to your backyard during this humdinger of a program. Please, no younger siblings and only one adult per group of kids. Ages 7-12. Online registration begins May 1, at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Current Nature Center
Hours and Trails — Building: Tuesday — Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays and all state holidays.
Trails: Sunday — Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Effective March 1 to Oct. 31)