Springfield Conservation Nature Center July Events

Current Nature Center Hours and Trails — Building: Tuesday — Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. 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)

Saturday, July 14

• Venomous Snakes of Missouri — 1 to 2 p.m.

You’ve heard the tales about them, now’s your chance to learn the truth. We’ll explore the myths and realities of Missouri’s misunderstood pit vipers. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

• Venomous Snakes On Display — 2 to 3 p.m.

Come see live specimens of Missouri’s venomous snakes on display courtesy of Finley Valley Serpentarium. Stop by anytime. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Tuesday, July 17

Introduction To Kayaking — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Kayaking can be a great way to get outdoors and see the Ozarks from a new perspective. Join instructors from the Ozark Mountain Paddlers for an introductory lesson at Lake Springfield. Equipment is provided. Class will meet at the boathouse in Lake Springfield Park. Ages 18-adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/ SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Wednesday, July 18

Conservation TEENS: Float Trip from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come along as we float and explore one of the many streams in the Ozarks. Life jackets will be worn during the float trip. Sunscreen will be provided or you may bring your own. Snacks, drinks and transportation will be provided. Ages 12-17. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Thursday, July 19

Birds At And Around The Nest—Tales Of A Field Photographer — 2 to 3 p.m.

Volunteer Naturalist and outdoor photographer Bob Ball shares his personal experiences of photographing nesting birds from his own backyard to birds in the field. Ages 11-adult. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Beginning Canoeing For Families — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Come join us and learn basic canoe paddling strokes and canoe handling. Put all your new-found knowledge into practice as you paddle your own canoe. Meet at Lake Springfield Southwood Access for a great evening on the water. Ages 12-adult, ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Friday, July 20

Take A Hike from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hike at Cedar Gap Conservation Area with Volunteer Naturalist Pat Stritzel. Meet at the nature center and carpool. Bring water and snacks and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is three miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Ages 18-adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/ SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Saturday, July 21

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 July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/ SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Wednesday, July 25

Little Acorns: Snake Slither from 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11:15 to 12 noon

Kids, slither in and get up close and personal with nature’s most misunderstood reptile. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Thursday, July 26

Conservation Kids: Leapin’ Lizards from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Summer is the perfect time for lizards, and the nature center is one of the best places to spot them. Learn about Missouri’s 13 species of lizards, and make a lizard craft to take home. Ages 7-12. Please, no younger siblings and only one adult per group of kids. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.