Springfield Conservation Nature Center June Events
All June Center hours — Temporary Exhibit for the month: Nature Photography by Four State Photography Enthusiasts
June 1
9 a.m.-4 p.m. — National Trails Day: Trail Trivia Hike — Test your knowledge to celebrate National Trails Day. Trek the trails while answering nature-related questions along with way. Stop by the nature center anytime to pick up your question sheet and then return to check your answers, claim your prize and learn about different conservation areas around Springfield. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 2
1-3 p.m. — Primitive Skills: Fire and Flintstone — volunteer naturalist and primitive skills specialist Don Brink returns to demonstrate how to start fires without matches and butane. Different primitive fire-making techniques will be demonstrated by Don and his grandson, Roin Green. Afterward, try your hand at starting a fire the primitive way. Ages 12-adults. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 8
10 a.m.-noon — Discover Nature: GO! Hike — There are many different “pocket monsters” to catch and trade, but many of these creatures are inspired by real-world animals. Learn about the inspiration behind these digital characters, and see how many you can catch on a naturalist-led hike (weather permitting). All ages. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 12
9 a.m.-noon — Discover Nature: Family Explorers — Register and meet us at the east parking lot at Busiek Conservation Area to hike and explore with our naturalists. We’ll explore the forest and creek so come prepared for hiking and to get wet. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, hat and shoes you can wear in the water (no flip-flops or crocs). Ages 10-adult. Ages 10-17 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 14
9 a.m.-noon — Discover Nature: Astronauts of Conservation — Early explorers were very much like astronauts with new discoveries. Learn about conservation astronauts as we team up with the Springfield-Greene County Library during its summer reading program: “A Universe of Stories.” Bring your entire family and enjoy indoor/ outdoor activities, stories, crafts and more as you make your own discoveries in nature. Drop by anytime and plan on spending at least an hour. The Mobile Library will be present during the program so bring your library card. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 15
11:15 a.m.-noon — Little Acorns: Crawdad Craze — They come in all sizes and colors, but these cook critters often go unnoticed. Come meet some live crawdads as we explore what makes crayfish cool. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 18
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — Conservation TEENS: Trout Fishing at Roaring River — Enjoy trout fishing and a fish fry at Roaring River State Park. We will fly fish or spin fish in our privately stocked trout pool in the morning and then learn how to clean and fry trout for lunch. Make plans to join us for a great outdoor experience. Transportation will be provided. Ages 12-17. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 20
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Conservation Kids: The Life Aquatic — Learn about water’s incredible journey and who lives in Missouri’s waters as we dive into summers. Ages 7-12. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 21
9-11 a.m. — Kayaking: An Introduction for Adults — 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. Registered participants will meet at the Lake Springfield Park boathouse, 18-adult. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 21
9:30-10:15 a.m. — Babes in the Woods: Summer is Here! — Summer is officially here. We’ll start inside to learn about summer before we take the little ones on a summer sensory stroll, ages 0-2. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
2-4 p.m. — Kayaking: An Introduction for Women Only — This program is for women only. Girls 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult female. 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. Registered participants will meet at the Lake Springfield Park boathouse, 14-adult. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 22
8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. — Take a Hike — Volunteer naturalist Pat Stritzel leads this 6-mile hike at Bennett Spring State Park. Meet at the nature center and carpool. Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is rated moderate to difficult. Ages 18-adult. Register online at mdc. mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 25
8:30-1 p.m. — Tree Pest Clinic — Do your trees have disease or insect problems? Bring infected twigs (at least 12-inches long), branches, or leaves for Urban Foresters to identify and suggest a solution for your tree problems. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 25
9-11 a.m. — Our Nesting Birds — 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. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 27
10-10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. -noon — Little Acorns: Nature’s Nightlights — Summer evenings will be filled with magic and fun when your little ones discover fireflies with volunteer naturalist Nancy Ryan. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
June 27
8-9 p.m. — Firefly Frolic — Fireflies have intrigued and fascinated children and adults on countless summer evenings. Join volunteer naturalist Nancy Ryan to learn everything you ever wanted to know about nature’s “flashlights.” Bring your flashlight and join the fun, all ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.
Current Nature Center And Trails Hours
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.)