Community Calendar

Whether you enjoy fishing area streams or you like to relax by spending a day paddling a local waterway, a kayak is a great way to connect with the outdoors.

People can learn more about these popular watercrafts at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Aug. 26 program “Paddle Sports: Kayak Skills.” This program will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will be taught at MDC’s Allen Bridge Access, which is two miles east of Neosho on Shoal Creek in Newton County. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210670

At the Aug. 26 program, MDC Conservation Educator Andy Rhodes will discuss the basic equipment, paddle strokes, and knowledge needed to paddle Missouri’s streams and lakes safely. Participants will also have opportunities to test their paddling skills on Shoal Creek. Program participants should dress for the weather and wear clothes that can get wet.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above and please provide a valid email.

This Aug. 26 program is coordinated by the staff at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, which is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at the Shoal Creek Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Shoal Creek Center can call 417-629-3434.

Fishing a stream from the bank or by wading through its shallow parts is a great way to catch fish and to enjoy the area’s outdoor beauty.

People can learn more about fishing an Ozarks stream at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Stream Fishing – Big Sugar Creek.” This program will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 6 at MDC’s Deep Ford Access in McDonald County. At this program, MDC Office Supervisor Tim Smith will lead participants in stream-fishing trip on this MDC-owned access on Big Sugar Creek near Pineville. This program is part of a series of stream-fishing programs being put on by the staff at MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. These programs are designed to provide hands-on fishing opportunities at a variety of stream locations in the southwest corner of the state.

Participants in the Sept. 6 program are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, but a limited amount of equipment will be available. Participants between the ages of 16 and 64, unless otherwise exempt, must possess a valid Missouri fishing permit. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/209306

For details about this program or for directions to Deep Ford Access, people can contact Smith at Tim.Smith@mdc.mo.gov.

MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is located at 201 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin. People can stay informed about upcoming virtual and in-person programs at the Shoal Creek Center by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. They can sign up for Shoal Creek Center text alerts by calling 417-629-3434.

The Missouri Prairie Foundation will host a native plant sale September 6 at Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center in Springfield with a variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, and trees from two Grow Native! professional members.

You don’t have to be an expert to plant a yard or flower garden that provides good habitat for insects and local wildlife. All you need is a little help to determine the right plants in the right places. With many native plant species, you don’t have to wait for spring to begin planting, either.

People can learn more about plantings that can be made in autumn to establish good habitat in their yards at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free virtual program, Native Plants: Planting in the Fall. This program, which will be Sept. 12 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., will be led by staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos will provide information about native plants and share recommendations for yard and garden designs that will work around the home. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210697

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. This program will also be an opportunity to get information about the native plant sale at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 27.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People wanting more information about this program or other upcoming events at the nature center can call 417-888-4237. People can also call this number to get signed up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins about upcoming programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and other nearby MDC facilities.

In addition to planning all the good things you want to happen on a camping or hiking trip, it’s important to be ready when bad things happen, too.

On Sept. 13, people can get information on basic first-aid items to take on their next outdoor outing at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Outdoor Skills: Wilderness Survival.” This program will be 10 a.m.-noon at MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210704

At this free program, outdoor skills specialist Don Brink will discuss basic safety items people need to take on hiking, camping, backpacking, and hunting trips. This program is suggested for ages 7 and up.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People wanting more information about this program or other upcoming events at the nature center can call 417-888-4237. People can also call this number to get signed up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins about upcoming programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and other nearby MDC facilities.

The Friends of the Garden will host Flower Power: A 2025 Garden Gala September 18 at the Springfield Botanical Gardens.

The evening will include craft mocktails, select beer and wine, dinner, and dancing under the stars to the music of 7D FUNK Allstars. There will also be a twilight tour through the gardens, a live auction, and a photo lounge.

Tickets are required.