Community Calendar

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host a program on migrating birds with Volunteer Naturalist Myra Scroggs. This indoor/outdoor program is for ages 7 and up. No registration is required.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host a hike at the Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area with Naturalist JD Kennedy.

Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a snack, water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Ages 10 and up. Participants 10-17 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Registration information at https://mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents

Young anglers will have opportunities to experience the fun of catching fish at Bennett Spring State Park’s Kids’ Fishing Day from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 3. It’s sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Bennett Spring Park Store.

Kids ages 15 and under can pick up free trout tags at the park store on May 2 from 5-8:30 p.m. and all day on the day of the event. A section of Zone 2 and Zone 3 at the park will be reserved for the youth anglers. Volunteers will be on hand to help. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to help kids, but adults are also asked to let children fish by themselves as much as possible. Only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish in the designated kids’ fishing zone.

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. To help with Kids’ Fishing Day or to get more information, please call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Assistant Hatchery Manager Mike Perry at Michael.Perry@mdc.mo.gov. People can also get more information at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203963

Bennett Spring State Park is located approximately 12 miles west of Lebanon on Missouri Highway 64.

The Sierra Club will host a a service outing to Shepherd of the Hills State Park - a new, not yet opened park - to count invertebrates and collect native plants.

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will host a Mother's Day Tea May 10 with drinks and dishes made with wild edible plants. Naturalist Jordi Raos will give a presentation followed by a short garden walk and a craft. (Mother not required to attend.)

All ages. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Learn how to prevent and reduce run-ins with outdoor hazards so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest. In this virtual program, Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss snakes, ticks, heat, and more. This program is virtual, a link will be emailed to the account associated with your registration.

All ages. Registration is required.