Something exciting is always happening at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Indoors you'll discover nature through programs, activities and displays. Outdoors, seasonal changes and unpredictable wildlife make each visit an adventure. So come visit our nature center often!
Natural
Surprise a white-tailed deer bedded in a cedar thicket. Smell the fresh scent of the Ozark woods after a rain. Watch an eagle snag a fish from an icy lake. At the Springfield Conservation Nature Center there are trails to walk, exhibits to explore, and videos and programs to enjoy. All year-round, it's the place to experience and learn about the Missouri outdoors.
Nature Center Features:
-Eighty acres of forests, fields and creeks, along with frontage on Lake Springfield.
-Wildlife, including deer, foxes, mink, muskrat, raccoons, squirrels, birds, turtles, frogs, bugs and just about everything else that lives in the Ozarks.
-Nearly three miles of trails, as short as a fifth of a mile, as long as two miles.
-A boardwalk over the marshy shallows of the lake.
-A building containing:
-150-seat auditorium
-classrooms
-restrooms
-exhibits
-information desk
-sales of books, calendars, and fishing and hunting permits
-Regularly scheduled public programs, guided walks and nature films.
-Covered sack lunch area.
-Pull-through bus and RV parking
-Facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Event is joint effort of MDC, Dickerson Park Zoo, and Springfield/Greene County Park Board. Springfield, Mo – In winter, Missouri is an excellent state to view bald eagles. During this time of year, the state’s small resident eagle…
Read More »Program will discuss the variety of life that can be found around a home. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – People don’t always have to travel to far-away forests and grasslands to find a variety of animal and plant species. There may be more life…
Read More »Bring binoculars and a field guide and get tips on bird viewing. Springfield, MO – The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a great time to grab a pair of binoculars, head outside, and learn more about the variety of birds that can…
Read More »Get information about good locations for nature treks in the Ozarks. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Whoever said the outdoors go dormant in winter has never walked on an Ozarks trail at this time of year. People can learn about locations where…
Read More »Free program will discuss the benefits these reptiles provide to people. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Snakes are among Missouri’s most misunderstood animals. That’s unfortunate because underneath a snake’s frightful reputation is an…
Read More »Nationally known photographer Tim Ernst will share his tips in two programs. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nature photography is a pastime everyone can enjoy but using the proper techniques can turn an interesting photo into a picture you’ll…
Read More »Guided trek will take hikers over portion of MDC area in northern Greene County. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Early December is a great time to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and enjoy a walk in the woods. With that in…
Read More »Nov. 30th, meeting is for people interested in volunteering at the Springfield Nature Center. Springfield, MO – Volunteers play valuable roles at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center.…
Read More »Enjoy songs inspired by the Ozarks outdoors. Springfield, MO -- Music is a beautiful and meaningful method to convey one’s love of the outdoors. People can join local musicians Bo Brown, Marideth Sisco, David Wilson, and George Horne in an…
Read More »Trails will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and building will be closed Sundays and Mondays. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – People visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center are reminded that, starting…
Read More »Guided five-mile trek will take hikers on north side of reservoir. SPRINGFIELD, MO -- Comfortable temperatures, an abundance of wildlife activity, and the arrival of fall colors make fall an excellent time for a hike. With that in mind,…
Read More »Buy native plants and get information about what works best for your yard. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Planting native plants and wildflowers isn’t just a spring thing. Fall is a great time to plant native plants and make planting plans for…
Read More »Program for ages 3-6 will be offered in both English and Spanish. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – On Sept. 8, young children will have a chance to learn about a rodent that is as fascinating as it is secretive – the flying squirrel. …
Read More »Event will discuss native varieties that can be planted in the fall. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – You don’t have to be a biologist or a landscaping expert to plan a yard or flower garden that provides good habitat for insects and local…
Read More »Springfield Nature Center event will discuss what can be done to reverse downward trends. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Because birds are frequently seen wildlife, many people would be surprised to learn that many of North America’s bird…
Read More »Two afternoon programs will feature live birds from Dickerson Park Zoo. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Hawks, eagles, falcons, and other bird of prey have a number of unique traits that make them skilled hunters. People can learn more about birds…
Read More »Free program will discuss the benefits these reptiles provide to people. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Snakes are among Missouri’s most misunderstood animals. That’s unfortunate because underneath a snake’s frightful reputation is…
Read More »Program will explain how apps can add enjoyment to an outdoors experience. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The phrase “there’s an app for everything” applies to the outdoors, too. If you’re interested in learning more…
Read More »Learn more about native plants at this June 10 program. SPRINGFIELD, MO – “What plant is that” is a commonly heard question on hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor outings. Now that spring has greened up the outdoors,…
Read More »Dispel myths and get identification tips at online event. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – When it comes to things people are afraid of in the outdoors, venomous snakes top many fright lists. While it’s true people should always give venomous…
Read More »Conservation Teens hike will explore Compton Hollow Conservation Area on May 14. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Amphibians provide several benefits to humans and spring is a great time to observe these fascinating creatures in their early stages of…
Read More »Springfield Nature Center staff will host online event about these interesting birds. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Hummingbirds fascinate humans for a variety of reasons. The way these tiny birds hover at feeders and dart back and forth makes them a…
Read More »Program will include online chat in which participants can submit questions. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Amphibians provide a number of benefits to humans and the croaks and calls that some make add to the enjoyment of spring and summer. …
Read More »Event will also feature gardening demonstrations from local experts. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of landscaping with native plants. Plants that are naturally adapted to their surroundings tend to be less…
Read More »Learn about the value of variety at March 30 online program. SPRINGFIELD, MO -– Bees and monarch butterflies are the creatures often thought of when pollination is mentioned, but they’re not the only pollinators that can be attracted…
Read More »Learn which native plants will thrive in those hard-to-grow areas. SPRINGFIELD, MO – Some landscapes pose planting challenges. Areas that have excessive shade or hold moisture can make it difficult to have a yard filled with vegetative…
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