nature kansas city & you - mdc.mo.gov · conservation nature center 1401 nw park road, ... us...

KANSAS CITY

NatureampYou News and Events from the Missouri Department of Conservation middot JulyAugust 2018

Explore Nature in Your Neighborhood

From as early as I can remember nature was a source of calm and comfort to me My trusted dog minnow bucket and dip net

accompanied me to the creek in summer during my childhood The warmth and glow of a Missouri sunrise the chirping and fitting birds the vast expanses of every shade of green imaginable and the splash of morning dew on the web of a spider are just a few of my favorite parts of summertime

These days I am fnding the same connections with nature in the city I am lucky to be able to help young people see their frst frogs or turtles and learn about insects in my role as a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Education Consultant

I grew up in a rural area of Missouri and was fortunate to be surrounded by wildlife In early morning deer and turkeys would parade across the back of my garden Throughout the day katydids and cicadas would call from the camoufage of trees and vines Late afternoon tree frogs would begin to chorus The wild melody

continued into the night as crickets chirp and owls teach their impatient young to hunt

The good news is that you do not have to grow up in rural Missouri to have the kind of experience I did as a child After moving to the Kansas City area to work for MDC I see songbirds and raptors Squirrels frequent the oak and mulberry trees in my yard Stunning spicebush caterpillars munch on the silvery bottomed leaves of my spicebush Nature surrounds us in all parts of the beautiful state of Missouri both urban and rural

It is a privilege to introduce students and teachers to the wonders of nature Squeals quickly turn to giggles as youth catch their frst fsh or hold their frst crayfsh MDC ofers K-12 curriculum materials free to all Missouri educators through the Discover Nature Schools (DNS) program These teacher lesson plans student science books and notebooks provide learning opportunities for students through hands-on inquiry-based outdoor education Grant support is available for supplies and transportation expenses

Contact your local Conservation Education Consultant to learn more

Think there are no forests in your neck of the city or suburbia Think again Among Burr Oak Woods James A Reed and Platte Falls there are thousands of acres of forest to explore If you are planning a visit to the Country Club Plaza in the heart of Kansas City then check out our beautiful use of native wildfowers shrubs grasses and trees at the Discovery Centermdashminutes from the Plaza and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Watch monarch caterpillars devour milkweed plants and adult butterfies futter by and drink nectar from purple conefowers and wild bergamot All of these MDC areas also make great feld trip destinations for DNS feld trips depending on which curriculum unit is being taught

Wherever you are take some time to observe and appreciate the magnifcent sights and sounds of nature this summer You might be surprised by what all you see if you spend some time following an ant as it makes its rounds to explore and fnd food Noticing nature in your neighborhood makes for a beautiful day

ndashGinger Miller Education Consultant

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Simply go to httpsmdcmogov

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Nature amp YoumiddotJulyAugust 2018 2

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs MO wwwmdcmogovburroakwoods

Located in Blue Springs Missouri one mile north of I-70 and one mile west of MO 7 on Park Road Six trails 1071 wooded acres two picnic areas indoor wildlife viewing area 3000 gallon native fsh and turtle aquarium hands-on nature exhibits gift shop and sales of fshing and hunting permits

NATURE CENTER HOURS TuesdayndashSaturday 8 AMndash5 PM Closed all state holidays AREA AND TRAILS Daily 7 AMndash6 PM Daylight Saving Time 7 AMndash8 PM

TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM Programs are free Register online If you are unable to attend a program please call us at 816-228-3766 and cancel as a courtesy

Critter Feeding Schedule Wednesday amp Saturday ∙ 3ndash330 PM Walk-in (all ages) Discover whatrsquos for dinner at Burr Oak Woods The amphibians fsh and turtles are fed every Wednesday and Saturday Snakes are fed every other Friday (July 6 amp 20 August 3 17 amp 31)

Slithering Snakes July 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1ndash2 PM No registration required (all ages) Slither in and discover the wonderful world of Missourirsquos snakes These legless scaly reptiles are often misunderstood but are benefcial to the environment and us Join

us as we untangle snake myths learn who lives around us and meet some live snakes up close

Discover Nature Fishing for Families July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 930ndash1130 AM August 11 ∙ Saturday ∙ 930ndash1130 AM Registration required (families) This is a great time of year to take your family fshing We will teach some fshing basics provide equipment and worms and then let you practice your new fshing skills Kids who attend will be entered in a drawing at the end of the summer for a new fshing pole and tackle box Lessons 1 and 2 of the Discover Nature Fishing program are included in this class

Family Creek Exploration July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1030ndashNoon Registration required (families) Trek into an amazing creek ecosystem to discover what lives in or depends on Burr Oak Creek Splish and splash in the mud water and rocks in search of tadpoles fsh insects and more

Wild Edibles Series Summer Bounty July 17 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 9ndash11 AM Registration required (adults) Jelly pickle and preserve your way through naturersquos summer bounty You have identifed and collected the plants Now what How do you process plants from feld to plate Join us as we demonstrate methods to preserve your harvest

National Moth Week Kick-of July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash2 PM Walk-in (all ages) Celebrate with us the beauty life cycle and habitats of moths for National Moth Week This event will include a kidrsquos craft Missouri moth collection display and a moth

program at 100 pm We will have something for ldquoMoth-ersrdquo of all ages

Bobcats at Burr Oak Woods July 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM No registration required (all ages) Join us to learn about one of the most mysterious critters and top tier predators at Burr Oak Woods the bobcat From its ultrasonic ears to its incredible vision these cats are perfectly equipped for the hunt

Rockinrsquo amp Readinrsquo Nature Tales July 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AMndashNoon August 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AMndashNoon Walk-in (ages 2+) Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures We will meet birds mammals and all sorts of magnifcent creatures We will cross rivers discover mysteries within the forest and fy across the prairies Our imaginations are the only limits

Atlatl for Families August 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1230ndash130 PM or 2ndash3 PM Registration required beginning Tuesday July 10 (families with children age 8+) An atlatl is a hunting tool that has been around for thousands of years and is still being used in Missouri today Itrsquos great for target practice too Bring your family for some outdoor fun as we practice this primitive skill and test our atlatl abilities


Donrsquot forget to apply for the Burr Oak Woods Youth Managed Hunt in July This hunt is mentored by MDC staf and volunteers and is geared toward new hunters Applications available on the Missouri Department of Conservation website or call the nature center for more information

Caterpillar Hunt August 11 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash1130 AM or 1ndash230 PM No registration required (all ages) Become a Citizen Scientist Break out your magnifying glass and help us survey the caterpillars of Burr Oak Woods We will track the number and variety of butterfy species in the native gardens around the nature center by looking for larva adults and maybe even a chrysalis Create a life cycle craft while supplies last Just drop by and join in the fun

Wild Edibles Series Medicinals Salves and Soaps August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash11 AM Registration required (adults) Health products made from natural materials have evolved alongside humans throughout history But in this generation we have all but forgotten this useful skill Join us to learn how to make your medicinals salves and soaps from the greens in your own backyard

Citizen Scientist Saturday - Butterfies and Moths of North America August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1ndash230 PM No registration required (all ages) We will participate in the Butterfies and Moths of North America project Citizen scientists of all ages and experience levels can participate by taking photographs of butterfies and moths and then submitting their observations Data collected helps scientists understand more about these beautiful pollinators

Bats Nightshiftrsquos Bug Busters August 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1ndash2 PM No registration required (all ages) What was that I think it was a bat Nature has its own insect exterminators One bat can eat around 1000 insects per night Missourirsquos bats play an important role in those memorable summer nights you enjoy Come learn about these essential little winged critters

You donrsquot have to travel far away to discover nature Go wild this summer exploring Burr Oak Woods

Registration begins July 1 online

Go Wild 3-5 YEAR OLDS (with adult)

Pond Life July 12 middot Thursday middot 9ndash11 AM A pond is a busy place flled with all kinds of life both above and below the waterrsquos surface We will look for frogs dragonfies crayfsh and more Letrsquos explore together

Ladybugs and Butterfies July 25 middot Wednesday middot 9ndash1030 AM Flutter on over to learn why ladybugs and butterfies are two of our favorite insects We will learn how they both go through a magical change and how each has a special job in the garden We may even get to meet some

6-8 YEAR OLDS

Cane Pole Fishing July 10 middot Tuesday middot 9ndash1030 AM Get ready to feel the tug on your line Join us for a fun and unique fshing experience using cane poles No reels needed Cane fshing poles are primitive but their simple design makes fshing easy and exciting for anglers of any age

Letrsquos Go Creekinrsquo July 18 middot Wednesday middot 9ndash11 AM Join us as we get wet and wild exploring Burr Oak Creek for wildlife and discover why creeks are an important habitat

9-11 YEAR OLDS A Bobbinrsquo and A Reelinrsquo July 20 middot Friday middot 9ndash11 AM Come down to the education pond and learn how to cast bob and reel in fsh using worms as your bait You are sure to have a lsquoreelrsquo good time during this catch and release program

Creek Trek July 27 middot Friday middot 9ndash11 AM Itrsquos time for a wet and wild adventure in Burr Oak Creek We will meet at The Bethany Falls parking lot to explore the forest by following the stream along its course We will fnd out who lives in the creek by sampling for fsh and aquatic macroinvertebrates

12-18 YEAR OLDS

Fishing with Canoes July 19 middot Thursday middot 9 AMndashNoon Do you like to go fshing How about canoeing Have you ever tried both at the same time Join us for an exciting adventure on the pond at Burr Oak Woods We will get into canoes and have some fun paddling around then get the fshing poles and try to land a lunker in our boat


Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center28505 E Truman Road Landahl Park Buckner MO wwwmdcmogovlakecity

Located on 60 acres of forests and felds near Blue Springs Missouri six miles north of I-70 on MO 7 and two miles east of MO 7 on Truman Road in Landahl Park Facilities include an outdoor education center archery pistol rife and shotgun ranges including skeet and trap

HOURS May 1ndashSeptember 15 WednesdayndashSunday Noonndash6 PM September 16ndashApril 30 WednesdayndashSunday Noonndash430 PM Closed Monday and Tuesday and all state holidays

FACILITIES AND FEES Available for individual or group use Call for information and possible restrictions bull RifePistol range $3 booth per hour bull TrapSkeet $3 per round bull Archery range $3 per person per hour bull Shotgun pattern $3 per person per hour


Intro to Skeet July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 12+) This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns Wersquoll cover safety appropriate frearms and ammunition rules of the game etiquette on the feld and feld layout Firearms and ammunition will be provided or you may bring your own

Womenrsquos Basic Pistol July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 18+) This program includes handgun safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage Equipment and ammunition will be provided you may bring your own frearm and ammunition to the live-fre session

A Day at the Range July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ Noonndash6 PM Walk-in (all ages) This is a free day of shooting Bring your family out to the range for a day of fun If you havenrsquot been to the range this year here is a great opportunity to come out and join in the fun

Family Trap July 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 12+) This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns Wersquoll cover safety appropriate guns and ammunition rules of the game etiquette on the feld and feld layout Firearms and ammunition will be provided or you can bring your own

Intro to Skeet August 11 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 12+) This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns Wersquoll cover safety appropriate frearms and ammunition rules of the game etiquette on the feld and feld layout Firearms and ammunition will be provided or you may bring your own

Basic Pistol August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 8ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 18+) This program includes handgun safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage Equipment and ammunition will be provided You may bring your own frearm and ammunition to the live-fre session

Shotgun ndash 5-Stand August 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1130 AM Registration required (ages 12+) This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns Wersquoll cover safety appropriate guns and ammunition rules of the game etiquette on the feld and feld layout Firearms and ammunition will be provided or you can bring your own

Womenrsquos Basic Handgun

Why do women want to learn to shoot The answers are as varied as the women who

attend the Lake City Rangersquos Womenrsquos Basic Handgun classes

Some women have never shot before and want to learn Many are encouraged by husbands or boyfriends to learn Some want to feel safer when home alone Moms may have children who want to learn to shoot and they feel they should know something about it before the youngsters get started

And the list goes on These classes are designed for women and are taught by women who all have been in the same place as new shooters We discuss safety in the home storage options how to purchase a frearm marksmanship skills and much more Then of course we go to the range and shoot

This is a stress free fun time for you and your girlfriends to enjoy a morning of learning and shooting For more information check out the website wwwmdcmogovlakecity or call us at 816-249-3194


Parma Woods Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center15900 NW River Road PO Box 14024 Parkville MO wwwmdcmogovparmawoods

Located in Platte County Missouri Go west of downtown Parkville on Route FF to River Road then west 3 miles to the entrance located just west of I-435 Facilities are available for individual or group use and include a rifepistolshotgun range and archery range

HOURS May 1ndashSeptember 30 Monday and Tuesday 2 PMndash8 PM FridayndashSunday 10 AMndash4 PM October 1ndashApril 30 FridayndashTuesday Noonndash430 PM Closed Wednesday and Thursday and all state holidays

FACILITIES AND FEES bull RiflePistolShotgunRange $3 booth per hour bull Archery range $3 per person per hour


Handgun ndash Womenrsquos Only ndash Basics Level 2 July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 4ndash8 PM Registration required (ages 21+) This program includes handgun safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage You are required to provide your own handgun and at least 100 rounds of ammunition

Archery ndash Youth Only ndash Basics July 16 ∙ Monday ∙ 9ndash11 AM Registration required (ages 8ndash15 youth must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes archery safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage You may bring your own equipment to this program however equipment will be provided

Rife ndash Basics July 19 ∙ Thursday ∙ 530ndash830 PM Registration required (ages 11+ ages 11ndash17 must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes rife safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage Equipment and ammunition will be provided you may bring your own frearm and ammunition to the live-fre session

Archery ndash Basics Level 2 July 27 ∙ Friday ∙ 6ndash8 PM Registration required (ages 8+ ages 8ndash15 must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes archery safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage You must bring your own equipment to this program

Shooting ndash Youth Only ndash Air Rife Basics July 30 ∙ Monday ∙ 9ndash11 AM Registration required (ages 8ndash15 youth must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes air rife safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage Equipment and ammunition will be provided you may bring your own air rife and pellets no BBrsquos to the live-fre session

Rife ndash 22 Plinking August 3 ∙ Friday ∙ 6ndash8 PM Registration required (ages 11+ ages 11ndash17 must be accompanied by an adult) Plinking is a great way to spend some quality time with your family Bring your family out to the range to discover or rediscover the fun of plinking at reactive targets with a rife Our certifed instructors will discuss the safe use of rifes and supervise shooters during some good old plinking fun This is not a how-to-shoot class so we do ask that participants have some prior shooting experience

Shotgun ndash Basics August 9 ∙ Thursday ∙ 530ndash830 PM Registration required (ages 11+ ages 11ndash17 must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes shotgun safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage Equipment and ammunition will be provided you may bring your own frearm and ammunition to the live-fre session

Basic Hunting Strategies August 14 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6ndash9 PM Registration required (all ages) New and potential hunters are often overwhelmed by all the equipment one seems to need to undertake hunting Truth is itrsquos simple to get started Join our team of experienced hunters to learn about the diferent hunting strategies and the gear you will need for each one

Rife ndash Basics Level 2 August 23 ∙ Thursday ∙ 4ndash8 PM Registration required (ages 11+ ages 11ndash17 must be accompanied by an adult) This program includes rife safety operation shooting fundamentals maintenance and safe storage You are required to provide your own rife and at least 60 rounds of ammunition

Tracking Wounded Game August 28 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6ndash8 PM Registration required (all ages) Part of being a responsible hunter is making every possible efort to recover your game Most hunters can improve their tracking skills with some basic knowledge and a bit of practice Join our experienced staf to improve your recovery skills

Connect


Anita B Gorman Discovery Center4750 Troost Avenue Kansas City MO 64110 wwwmdcmogovdiscoverycenter

Located in Kansas City Missouri just east of the Plaza near 47th and Troost Six hands-on workshops explore Missourirsquos fsh forest and wildlife with a Lewis and Clark theme Discovery Center is a showcase for environmental architecture with four acres of native landscaping Buy books and huntingfshing permits at the gift shop

HOURS MondayndashFriday 8 AMndash5 PM 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 8 AMndash7 PM 1st and 3rd Saturdays 9 AMndash4 PM Closed all state holidays


Scavenger Hunt July 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash230 PM Walk-in (all ages) Sunny summer days are the perfect time to step outside for a scavenger hunt and a nature walk at the Discovery Center Join us as we explore the pond prairie and forest to collect beautiful native fowers grasses leaves nuts berries and more Then step back inside and use your collection to create your own unique nature art A perfect reminder of your sunny adventure

Nature Nuts Storytime July 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM 11 AMndashNoon or 1ndash2 PM July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM 11 AMndashNoon or 1ndash2 PM Walk-in (ages 3ndash8 all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests streams and other magical places as they read select books Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity

Adult Summer Camp Nature Photography Walk July 17 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6ndash830 PM Registration required-began June 18 (adults) The magic of a mid-summer evening on a wild prairie will be the focus of our walk at Jerry Smith Park prairie in south Kansas City Discover whatrsquos blooming while learning some simple nature photography tips to capture that magic Bring your camera or use one of ours to capture the beauty of the prairie A minimum of fve participants is needed for the program to take place

Water Flowing over Rock The Literary Landscape of the Ozarks July 17 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 6ndash730 PM Walk-in (adults) From Henry Schoolcraft two hundred years ago to the writers of today literary minds have been trying to capture the landscape of the Ozarks in words Sometimes those eforts succeed and sometimes they fall prey to the stereotyping and mythologizing that so often characterizes portrayals of the people of the Ozarks Novelist and literary critic Steve Wiegenstein himself a ffth-generation Ozarker looks at the eforts through the years to depict the forests caves springs and rivers of the Ozarks admiring the successes and acknowledging the missteps This program is presented in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council A reception will be held at 6 pm with the program starting at 630 pm

Birds Blooms and Yoga July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1030 AM Walk-in (all ages) Start your weekend feeling refreshed and inspired Nature provides so many ways to rejuvenate yourself We will start with 60 minutes of yoga lead by Nella Yoga instructors followed by a naturalist led walk through the gardens to experience the birds and native plants that call the Discovery Center home Participants should meet at the shelter on the south side of the Discovery Center

Summer in the City July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash230 PM Walk-in (all ages) Summer camp isnrsquot just for kids today itrsquos for the whole family Spend the day participating in all the fun activities summer camp would ofer kids and adults will practice camp games atlatl fre starting nature art and more Then cool of exploring the wonderful world of mussels Learn how these small fresh water animals are important for healthy rivers streams and ponds Come enjoy being outdoors to celebrate a fun summer

Stories and Songs for a Green Earth A Free Family Concert July 26 ∙ Thursday ∙ 930ndash1030 AM Walk-in (all ages) Before books traditional peoples used stories to teach their youth understanding and respect for their fellow creatures and the places we all share These ancient stories from all continents still have the power to teach ndash and theyrsquore fun to hear Fran Stallings combines these stories with modern songs to double the fun Lively songs and audience participation will keep the whole family enthralled This program is co-sponsored by the National Storytelling Network


Connect to

with a text

Rivers provide a moving opportunity for discovery

Totally Turtles August 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash230 PM Walk-in (all ages) Next to birds turtles are the most abundant and diverse wildlife species found at the Discovery Center If you love turtles like we do come join the party We will have various species on display for a totally turtle meet and greet Learn a lot with fun facts and a craft

Nature Nuts Storytime August 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM 11 AMndashNoon or 1ndash2 PM August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM 11 AMndashNoon or 1ndash2 PM Walk-in (ages 3ndash8 all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests streams and other magical places as they read select books Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity

Missouri River by Boat August 6 ∙ Monday ∙ 230ndash430 PM or 530ndash730 PM Registration required (adults) Step aboard the MDC river boat for an evening of exploration on the Missouri River Your journey will be via motor boat and will give you an opportunity to view the river in ways many people donrsquot get to experience You will have the opportunity to view wildlife learn about how the river has changed over time and discover other features of the Missouri River There will be an opportunity to sign-up for one of two sessions A minimum of six participants is needed for the program to take place More information will be shared with those who plan to attend

Birds Blooms and Yoga August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 9ndash1030 AM Walk-in (all ages) Start your weekend feeling refreshed and inspired Nature provides so many ways to rejuvenate yourself We will start with 60 minutes of yoga lead by Nella Yoga instructors followed by a naturalist led walk through the gardens to experience the birds and native plants that call the Discovery Center home Participants should meet at the shelter on the south side of the Discovery Center

Rivers Water on the Move August 18 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash230 PM Walk-in (all ages) Missouri is shaped by two of the largest rivers in the world and they defne our state more than any other natural resource Learn how rivers work with several hands-on activities explore the dynamics of fooding and erosion at the stream table discover how pollution moves through a watershed and get up close and personal with the plants fsh and wildlife that inhabit Missourirsquos rivers

Adult Summer Camp Explore the Blue August 21 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 530ndash8 PM Registration required (adults) The Blue River provides Kansas City with a moving opportunity for discovering nature in the cityrsquos heart With two-thirds of the water in the Kansas City metro area draining into the Blue River this 40-mile stretch of stream is home to unique wildlife Spend an evening learning to catch and identify macro-invertebrates understand the importance of a watershed and much more Plan to get muddy and wet as we explore the Blue River A minimum of ten participants is needed for the program to take place

Field to Fork Catfsh and Rough Fish August 21 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 630 PMndash830 PM Registration required online beginning July 23 (adults) Letrsquos sink a fork into fathead catfsh channel catfsh blue catfsh gar carp bufalo and drum These fsh may not be beautiful to some eyes but they can defnitely be delicious Wersquoll start our 2018 Field to Fork Series by learning the special ways to clean these very unique fsh Then wersquoll have Chefs Sean Kirby and Chad Tillman of Local Seasons Catering and Events and Chef JC Gregg of Covet Bakery teach us how to turn these denizens of the deep into tasty dishes Registration for this class is online with a minimum of twenty participants for the program to take place Registration is not complete until we receive your $2000 refundable deposit

Text the word ldquoMDC Discoveryrdquo to 468311 Subscribers will receive up to

six texts a month to remind you of free events at the Discovery

Center

C onnect MDC OFFERS TEXT UPDATES

Burr Oak Woods

Lake City


ONLINE

REGISTRATION

DETAILS

First Time Registration 1 Visit mdcmogov kansascityevents 2 Click on the program you want to attend 3 Click REGISTER 4 Follow the ldquoFirst Time Participantrdquo instructions to create a profle

5 Find the program again and register

ALREADY HAVE A PROFILE Sign in with your username and password(s)

NOTE TO PARENTS You will need to create a username and password for each child Keep these handy to make signing up your family easy

Still Having Trouble Call the site hosting the program and we can help you get started Or after hours call 1-888-283-0364

HOLIDAY CLOSURES All facilities will be closed

for this state holiday

Independence Day July 4

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Kansas City is home to an abundance of fascinating wildlife Among this wildlife there is one

type that some people dread seeing while enjoying the outdoors Missouri is home to 47 species and subspecies of snakes and many of them are found in the Kansas City area Take some time to get to know the interesting variety among snakes as well as their natural history and you can overcome fears and appreciate their important role in nature

Snakes are a protected Missouri reptile and are typically more afraid of people than we are of them They are grouped into venomous and non-venomous with 88 percent of Missouri snakes being completely harmless This reptile is benefcial because of its appetite for rodents and other pests Snakes are also an important food source for various species of wildlife like hawks and owls

There are simple ways to provide snakes proper habitat They beneft from rock piles brush piles ponds and logs This provides them a place to hide and may increase the availability of food for them to eat

ndashSteve Jacobsen Discovery Center Assistant Manager

If you are interested in learning more about Missouri snakes check out the online feld guide link below Then get ready to enjoy all that nature ofers wildlife enthusiasts in Kansas City For more information about snakes visit httpsshortmdcmogovZqH

Snakes

Missouri River Masterpiece Orientation amp Floats Reservations required by contacting Lisa LaCombe at 816-228-3766 Adults only

Allow me to introduce you to a natural resource you may not have thought much about in the past The Missouri River Masterpiece Many of us drive over it on a daily basis without giving it much of a thought Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join in on an exploration of Missourirsquos most magnifcent natural and cultural resource in a canoe

Canoe Orientation August 15 ∙ Wednesday ∙ 4ndash530 PM or 530ndash7 PM or 7ndash830 PM We will begin with an orientation at the Burr Oak Woods Education Pond to learn about navigation and to brush up on your canoe strokes before we head out on the Missouri River We will prepare you for the upcoming foats You must attend one orientation session to participate in any of the foats

Day Dawns Bright August 25 ∙ Saturday middot 6ndash9 AM It is magic on the river as the sun peeks over the horizon We will set out in canoes on an eight mile foat trip on the Missouri River from Platte Land-ing to Kaw Point Please dress for the weather bring water and a good fashlight Bring a simple breakfast to enjoy out on the river

Day Float August 25 ∙ Saturday middot Noonndash3 PM We will set out in canoes on an eight mile foat trip on the Missouri River from Platte Landing to Kaw Point Please dress for the weather bring a hat water and sunscreen Bring a simple lunch to enjoy out on the river

Sunset Float August 25 ∙ Saturday middot 6ndash830 PM The Missouri River will take your breath away at sunset This is an eight mile foat trip on the Missouri River from Platte Landing to Kaw Point Please dress for the weather bring bug spray water and a good fashlight Bring a simple dinner to enjoy out on the river


Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center 1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs MO wwwmdcmogovburroakwoods

Located in Blue Springs Missouri one mile north of I-70 and one mile west of MO 7 on Park Road Six trails 1071 wooded acres two picnic areas indoor wildlife viewing area 3000 gallon native fsh and turtle aquarium hands-on nature exhibits gift shop and sales of fshing and hunting permits

NATURE CENTER HOURS TuesdayndashSaturday 8 AMndash5 PM Closed all state holidays AREA AND TRAILS Daily 7 AMndash6 PM Daylight Saving Time 7 AMndash8 PM


Critter Feeding Schedule Wednesday amp Saturday ∙ 3ndash330 PM Walk-in (all ages) Discover whatrsquos for dinner at Burr Oak Woods The amphibians fsh and turtles are fed every Wednesday and Saturday Snakes are fed every other Friday (July 6 amp 20 August 3 17 amp 31)

Slithering Snakes July 7 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1ndash2 PM No registration required (all ages) Slither in and discover the wonderful world of Missourirsquos snakes These legless scaly reptiles are often misunderstood but are benefcial to the environment and us Join

us as we untangle snake myths learn who lives around us and meet some live snakes up close

Discover Nature Fishing for Families July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 930ndash1130 AM August 11 ∙ Saturday ∙ 930ndash1130 AM Registration required (families) This is a great time of year to take your family fshing We will teach some fshing basics provide equipment and worms and then let you practice your new fshing skills Kids who attend will be entered in a drawing at the end of the summer for a new fshing pole and tackle box Lessons 1 and 2 of the Discover Nature Fishing program are included in this class

Family Creek Exploration July 14 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1030ndashNoon Registration required (families) Trek into an amazing creek ecosystem to discover what lives in or depends on Burr Oak Creek Splish and splash in the mud water and rocks in search of tadpoles fsh insects and more

Wild Edibles Series Summer Bounty July 17 ∙ Tuesday ∙ 9ndash11 AM Registration required (adults) Jelly pickle and preserve your way through naturersquos summer bounty You have identifed and collected the plants Now what How do you process plants from feld to plate Join us as we demonstrate methods to preserve your harvest

National Moth Week Kick-of July 21 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10 AMndash2 PM Walk-in (all ages) Celebrate with us the beauty life cycle and habitats of moths for National Moth Week This event will include a kidrsquos craft Missouri moth collection display and a moth

program at 100 pm We will have something for ldquoMoth-ersrdquo of all ages

Bobcats at Burr Oak Woods July 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 10ndash11 AM No registration required (all ages) Join us to learn about one of the most mysterious critters and top tier predators at Burr Oak Woods the bobcat From its ultrasonic ears to its incredible vision these cats are perfectly equipped for the hunt

Rockinrsquo amp Readinrsquo Nature Tales July 28 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AMndashNoon August 25 ∙ Saturday ∙ 11 AMndashNoon Walk-in (ages 2+) Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures We will meet birds mammals and all sorts of magnifcent creatures We will cross rivers discover mysteries within the forest and fy across the prairies Our imaginations are the only limits

Atlatl for Families August 4 ∙ Saturday ∙ 1230ndash130 PM or 2ndash3 PM Registration required beginning Tuesday July 10 (families with children age 8+) An atlatl is a hunting tool that has been around for thousands of years and is still being used in Missouri today Itrsquos great for target practice too Bring your family for some outdoor fun as we practice this primitive skill and test our atlatl abilities












6-8 YEAR OLDS





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6-8 YEAR OLDS





12-18 YEAR OLDS





































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Center


Burr Oak Woods

Lake City


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DETAILS
















Snakes










































Connect














Connect to

with a text











Center


Burr Oak Woods

Lake City


ONLINE

REGISTRATION

DETAILS
















Snakes




















Connect to

with a text











Center


Burr Oak Woods

Lake City


ONLINE

REGISTRATION

DETAILS
















Snakes








Burr Oak Woods

Lake City


ONLINE

REGISTRATION

DETAILS
















Snakes







nature kansas city & you - mdc.mo.gov · conservation nature center 1401 nw park road, ... us...

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