HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All facilities will be closed for this state holiday

Columbus Day
Monday, October 10

Educators Corner

Your Local Conservation Educators

Meet your local Conservation Educators (CE). As a CE we work with teachers to get kids outdoors, learning about science through place-based education. We are your guides for Discover Nature Fishing, Discover Nature Schools Curriculum, National Archery in the School Program and Hunter Education. Reach out to us with any questions you have!

Courtney Green | West Jackson County | [email protected]

• “I am a plant and snake enthusiast with a background in Agriculture. I love working with people and creating a sense of wonder about everything around them.”   

Alek Lanter | East Jackson County | [email protected]

• "I am an advocate for all things consumptive. From kayak fishing on reservoirs to squirrel hunting in an upland forest. My passion is fostering a sense of unity between people and the earth around them, through immersive conservation practices."

Kathleen Savaiano | Clay and Platte County | [email protected]

• “Nearly 20 years of environmental education. I am a passionate generalist on nature and outdoor skills, with the goal of creating positive outdoor experiences that foster a care for the environment.”

If visiting one of our areas, it is critically important to follow guidance from the CDC and state or local public health authorities.

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

1401 NW Park Road, Blue Spring, MO  64015

Located in Blue Springs, Missouri, one mile north of I-70 and one mile west of MO 7 on Park Road. Six trails, 1,071 wooded acres, two picnic areas, indoor wildlife viewing area, 3,000 gallon native fish and turtle aquarium, hands-on nature exhibits, gift shop, and sales of fishing and hunting permits.

NATURE CENTER HOURS:
Tuesday–Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM

Closed Sunday, Monday and all state holidays.

AREA AND TRAILS:
Daily: 6 AM–8 PM

TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://mdc.mo.gov/events?location=1548&county=All&region=702.
If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-228-3766 and cancel as a courtesy.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Managed Mentor Hunt

Due to a Managed Mentor Deer Hunt Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area and Nature Center will be closed to the public on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.

SPECIAL EVENT

Special Event: Conservation Carnival
October 1 ? Saturday ? 2–7 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Come one, Come all! Join us as we celebrate Burr Oak Woods Nature Center’s 40^th anniversary with a conservation carnival. For the last four decades we have helped the people of this community learn about and explore nature. Come out and enjoy some fun carnival style games. Or test your skills at such events as archery, air rifles and atlatl. You will also be able to check out some animal oddities and be on the lookout for costumed critters walking around!

Critter Feeding Schedule
Tuesday & Friday ? 2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (October 12 & 26).

Babes in the Woods: Backdoor to Bethany Falls Trail
October 5 ? Wednesday ? 10–11:30 AM
Registration required (babes under 36 months)
Don’t miss the fun! Hike out with your little one to the Bethany Falls Trail, voted #1 in Kansas City! The “Falls” refer to the unique limestone boulders that we will explore. We’ll stop to play and take pictures.

Archery 101
October 8 ? Saturday ? 10–11:30 AM
Registration required (ages 8+)
Archery and bow hunting continue to grow in popularity! During this beginner’s archery class, we will teach and practice the basics and help you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately. All equipment is provided.

Nature Rx: Forest Spa Day
October 11 ? Tuesday ? 2:30–4:30 PM
Registration required (ages 18+)
Enrich your life by nature immersion to reduce stress, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and many more possible health benefits. Bathe in the dappled sunlight and inhale the complex aroma of the forest in autumn! “Hug” a tree, learn how many ways trees and forests help people and enjoy five sensory stations to experience the forest in a new way.

Little Acorn: Backdoor to Bethany Falls Trail
October 12 ? Wednesday ? 10–11:30 AM
Registration required (ages 3–5)
Don’t miss the fun! Hike out with your little one to the Bethany Falls Trail, voted #1 in Kansas City! The “Falls” refer to the unique limestone boulders that we will explore. We’ll stop to play and take pictures.

Wild Edibles: A Taste of This Years Bounty
October 18 ? Tuesday ? 1–3 PM
Registration required (age 18+)
It is autumn so it is time for the harvest. Join us as we share some amazing recipes made from this year’s bounty of wild edibles.

Rockin’ & Readin’ Nature Tales
October 29 ? Saturday ? 11 AM–Noon
Walk-in (ages 2+)
Join us for a story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet butterflies, birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! Our imaginations are the only limits.

Nature Rx: Forest Spa Day
October 29 ? Saturday ? 2–4 PM
Registration required (ages 18+)
Enrich your life by nature immersion to reduce stress, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and many more possible health benefits. Bathe in the dappled sunlight and inhale the complex aroma of the forest in autumn! “Hug” a tree, learn how many ways trees and forests help people and enjoy five sensory stations to experience the forest in a new way.

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

4750 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO  64110

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, just east of the Plaza near 47th and Troost. Six hands-on workshops explore Missouri’s fish, 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 hunting/fishing permits at the gift shop.

HOURS:
Tuesday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
1st and 3rd Tuesdays: 8 AM–7 PM
Saturdays: 9 AM–4 PM

Closed Sunday, Monday and all state holidays.

TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at:https://mdc.mo.gov/events?location=1392&county=All&region=702. If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-759-7300 and cancel as a courtesy.

Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit

The Junior Duck Stamp is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to recognize the talents and environmental stewardship of young people throughout the United States. This competition is open to student’s kindergarten through high school to create artwork depicting North American Waterfowl. First place winners from each state advance to the national competition. The final champion artwork will be produced as the National Junior Duck Stamp for 2022. Take a few moments this fall to view the artwork of these talented youth. The display will be on exhibit this month beginning October 4.

Partner Program: ECOS Urban Nature Discovery
Every Saturday
Only Choose One Session Option!
9:30–11:30 AM with 11:30 AM–Noon - optional student-led creative play (4th–8th Grade) OR
1–3 PM with 3–3:30 PM - optional student-led creative play (4th–8th Grade)
Registration required; visit https://www.greenworkskc.org/programs or call 816-716-0674
This fall students will learn about nature, themselves and the connection between the two by becoming young scientists and explorers. Youth will explore nature on the Discovery Center campus and in nearby neighborhoods, take nature field trips and meet neighborhood leaders and career professionals creating healthy places for nature and people. This program is a partner program hosted by GreenWorks in Kansas City and the Discovery Center.

Little Acorns
October 1 ? Saturday ? 10–11 AM or 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Walk-in (ages 3–6)
Discovering the amazing natural world is as easy as opening a book! This volunteer naturalist led story program is ideal for preschool – kindergarten children and will take them on journeys to learn about wildlife, habitats and more.

Backyard Wildlife Exploration
October 1 ? Saturday ? 10 AM–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Did you know your own backyard is home to a variety of wildlife? Discover characteristics and fun facts about backyard wildlife. Then make your own wildlife identification field guide to help you explore your own backyard.

Scout Program
October 4 ? Tuesday ? Evening
Registration required (scouts)
Scout leaders, are you lacking expertise or equipment to complete conservation badges? Bring your troop to the Discovery Center and naturalist staff will provide a program to help scouts with rank achievement. All Missouri scout groups are welcome to schedule a free program. Please contact Steve Jacobsen at (816) 759-7305 ext. 1146 or [email protected] to learn more about how we can help and to schedule a program.

Brush Creek Art Walk Awards Night
October 4 ? Tuesday ? 6–8 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Whether you are a painter or like to admire artwork at the Discovery Center come join us for the culmination of the Brush Creek Art Walk! Starting at 6:00 p.m. awards will be handed out to the hardworking artists followed by a meet and greet. The artwork will be on display through the end of October.

Native Landscape Chat
October 7 ? Friday ? 1–2 PM
Registration required (ages 14+)
Blooms begin to shift into striking seedheads as fall begins to settle in. Join our native landscape specialists for a walk around the grounds of the Discovery Center where we will appreciate the shapes and textures of fall landscapes and discuss maintenance techniques for native gardens.

Bird-Feeding Stations Under Construction!
October 8 ? Saturday ? 10 AM–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
Different songbirds have different feeding habitats. Join us as we learn about the feeding habitats of songbirds in Missouri and how to plan a bird-feeding station. By choosing the right seed for your bird-feeding station and landscaping with plants that furnish cover and additional food, you can enjoy watching birds in your backyard all year long! Each family participating will be able to make a platform birdfeeder.

HOWLoween

October 15 ? Saturday ? 5–8 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
HOWLoween is back and we want you to join the fun! The Discovery Center and KCPD along with several neighborhood partners will provide nighttime fun for all ages. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, The Bone Yard, Buggy Bistro, Operation Wildlife and much more. It will be a howling fun, free and unforgettable event for the entire family.

Scout Program
October 18 ? Tuesday ? Evening
Registration required (scouts)
Scout leaders, are you lacking expertise or equipment to complete conservation badges? Bring your troop to the Discovery Center and naturalist staff will provide a program to help scouts with rank achievement. All Missouri scout groups are welcome to schedule a free program. Please contact Steve Jacobsen at (816) 759-7305 ext. 1146 or [email protected] to learn more about how we can help and to schedule a program.

Native Plants at Noon – Virtual
October 20 ? Thursday ? Noon–1 PM
Registration required by visiting https://deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon/ (adults)
Hit the (virtual) road with Missouri Department of Conservation staff as we explore some of Missouri’s unsung habitats. This month we explore the cypress swamps of Missouri’s bootheel. Cape Girardeau Nature Center staff will explore the plants that make up our cypress swamps. This program is a partnership with Deep Roots.

Urban Hike: Thru Hike DC/Brookside/Waldo
October 22 ? Saturday ? 9 AM–3 PM
Registration required (adults)
Fall is the perfect time to explore the city by foot. Our day-long thru hike will cover roughly seven miles from the Discovery Center through the Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods. This moderately paced hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in these older neighborhoods. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID, hiking safety and other great urban hikes in KC. The instructor will e-mail the exact hike details to the participants the week prior to the hike. Lunch will be on your own at one of the area restaurants along our hike.

The Bare Bones of Animal Skulls
October 22 ? Saturday ? 10 AM–2 PM
Walk-in (all ages)
There is something spooky and mysterious about the discovery of an animal’s bones. How did they get here? What happened? What kind of animal is it? Join us for this skeleton-centered program investigating what we can learn from an animals’ bones. We will focus on the characteristics of animal skulls and discover how variation in features – including the teeth – can reveal the true identity of an animal.

Bags of Leaves
October 29 ? Saturday ? 10–11 AM, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM or 1–2 PM
Registration required (ages 12+)
Fabric printing with natural objects is easy and can be a fun, creative outlet for those of us that are not that artsy. We will introduce you to some favorite fall native trees while collecting leaves on a short hike around the Discovery Center landscape. Back inside, we will help you create a colorful fall tote bag using textile ink and our collected leaves.

Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center

28505 E. Truman Road, Landahl Park, Buckner, MO  64016

Located on 60 acres of forests and fields 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, rifle and shotgun ranges, including skeet and trap

HOURS:
April 1 – August 31
Monday–Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 1:00–7:30 PM
Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
September 1 – March 31
Monday–Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:30 PM

Closed Monday and Tuesday and all state holidays.

FACILITIES AND FEES:
Available for individual or group use. Call for information and possible restrictions.

• Rifle/Pistol range: $4 booth per hour
• Trap/Skeet: $4 per round
• Archery range: $4 per person per hour
• Shotgun pattern: $4 per person per hour

TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://mdc.mo.gov/events?location=2172&county=All&region=702.
If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-249-3194 and cancel as a courtesy.

Introduction to Bore Sighting and Firearms Optics
October 1 ? Saturday ? 8–10:30 AM
Registration required (ages 11+)
Just in time for hunting season! In this seminar we will discuss how to select the right optic, options for mounting it and how to mount it. Then we will discuss how to bore sight and zero your new scope.

Shotgun – Skeet
October 8 ? Saturday ? 8–10:30 AM
Registration required (ages 11+)
This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We’ll cover safety, appropriate firearms and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own.

Field to Freezer (program taking place at Parma Woods)
November 6 ? Sunday ? 5–8 PM
Registration required (ages 11+)
Learn the steps necessary to process wild game yourself. We will discuss the field dressing process and demonstrate how to skin and butcher a game animal in simple easy steps with minimum equipment. You will learn tips on how to make sure your wild game is the best quality possible.

One-on-One Pistol Instruction
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, call 816-249-3194 for details
Have you just bought a new pistol and want to become more familiar with it? Do you need some help getting started as a new shooter or haven’t shot for a while and want to get back into it? Is there a technique that you want to learn or improve upon? This one-on-one instruction is for you! Participants must provide their own pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition.

One-on-One Rifle Instruction
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, call 816-249-3194 for details
The Lake City Shooting Range wants to help you sight in your rifle...for FREE! The instructors will help you get ready for this year’s upcoming deer season, fine-tune your scope or improve on your shooting skills. If you are preparing for a hunt, bring the rifle and ammunition you plan to use during the hunt.

One-on-One Shotgun Instruction
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, call 816-249-3194 for details
Shotgun shooting is fun and exciting. If you want to learn about shotgun fundamentals from the very beginning or improve your skill at skeet, trap or 5-stand, this one-on-one instruction is for you! Our instructors will help you get started and work with you on the basics to prepare you for moving on to each discipline. Participants must provide their own shotgun and two (2) full boxes of shells. The shells must be # 7.5, 8, or 9 shot. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Parma Woods Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center

15900 NW River Rd., PO Box 14024, Parkville, MO  64152

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 rifle/pistol/shotgun range and archery range.

HOURS:
April 1 – August 31
Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday: 1:00–7:30 PM
September 1 – March 31
Wednesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:30 PM

Closed Monday, Tuesday and all state holidays.

FACILITIES AND FEES:
• Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun/Range: $4 booth per hour
• Archery range: $4 per person per hour

TO REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM: Programs are free. Register online by clicking the event links below or at: https://mdc.mo.gov/events?location=2565&county=All&region=702.
If you are unable to attend a program, please call us at 816-891-9941 and cancel as a courtesy.

Hunter Education Skills Session
October 6 ? Thursday ? 6–10 PM
Registration required (ages 11+)
This Missouri Hunter Education Skills Session will help hunter education students complete their certification. This is the second part of a two-part course, all participants must complete part one before they can attend this session. To learn more about hunter education or to register for this course visit Hunter Education | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov).

Intro to Crossbows
October 11 ? Tuesday ? 5:30–7 PM
Registration required (ages 11+; ages 11–17 must be accompanied by an adult)
The crossbow is not a new technology, but it is a very effective hunting tool that can now be utilized by nearly anyone who would like to give crossbow hunting a try. This class is designed to complement the growing trend of crossbow use. Our instructors will provide some basic safety instruction, crossbow facts and give everyone a chance to try a crossbow.

Deer Season Sight-in-Assistance
October 19 ? Wednesday ? 8:30–10:30 AM
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, call 816-891-9941 for details
Are you new to shooting? Do you have some new equipment? Would you like some assistance to get you in the bullseye? Give our staff a call and we’ll set you up for an appointment with one of our trained and certified instructors to help make sure you are ready for opening day.

Field to Freezer
November 6 ? Sunday ? 5–8 PM
Registration required (ages 11+)
Learn the steps necessary to process wild game yourself. We will discuss the field dressing process and demonstrate how to skin and butcher a game animal in simple easy steps with minimum equipment. You will learn tips on how to make sure your wild game is the best quality possible.

Kansas City – Discover Nature Fishing

Fishing is a great way for everyone to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation and make happy memories together. Our Discover Nature — Fishing Program helps Missourians gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own.

Classes are free

No permits or additional paperwork required

Bait and equipment provided

Fishing Lessons 1, 2, 3 and 4
Discover Nature - Fishing offers adults and families with children between the ages of 7 and 15 a hands-on introduction into angling.

*Enrollees must take Lesson One to be eligible for later lessons. However, Lessons Two, Three and Four may be taken in any order once Lesson One has been completed.

Advanced classes are available to further your fishing skills.

A statewide listing of Discover Nature Fishing programs can be found on the Fishing Events page.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center’s 40^th Anniversary Fishing Event
October 1 ? Saturday ? 10 AM–1 PM – W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond at Burr Oak Woods
Registration required (adults and families with children of all ages)
Join us for a morning of fishing fun to celebrate Burr Oak Woods Nature Center's 40^th anniversary. We'll do a short fishing lesson and then we'll spend a couple hours fishing. We'll also have some fishing themed games, lots of prizes and a drawing for a fishing rod and tackle box. Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided. Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Fish or Treat Halloween Family Fishing Fun
October 29 ? Saturday ? 10 AM–Noon – W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond at Burr Oak Woods
Registration required (adults and families with children of all ages)
Everyone is welcome, wear your Halloween costume if you like and spend a little family time fishing this Halloween season. Everyone gets to fish but we'll also have fishing themed games and prizes for the biggest fish of the day and scariest costume.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Missouri Department of Conservation

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs, Mo  64015
816-228-3766
www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods 

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
4750 Troost Avenue Kansas City, Mo  64110
816-759-7300
http://mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter

Lake City Outdoor Education Center & Shooting Range
28505 E Truman Road Buckner, Mo 64016
816-249-3194
http://mdc.mo.gov/lakecity

Parma Woods Outdoor Education Center & Shooting Range
15900 NW River Road Parkville, Mo  64152
816-891-9941
https://mdc.mo.gov/parmawoods

Kansas City Regional Office
12405 SE Ranson Road Lee’s Summit, Mo  64082
816-622-0900
https://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city