As the ice melts away across Jefferson City, the Missouri Department of Conservation's Runge Nature Center is here to help you welcome in the spring this month with free programs.
Most programs require registration, so check the event's availability at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf ahead of time.
• Design with Nature in Mind: Spring Watercolors, 9:30 a.m.-noon and 1-1:30 p.m. Saturday: Program leaders will walk participants through capturing the seasonal rose verbena plant with watercolors. Art is take-home, and registration is required at bit.ly/3KrxEt6. Ages 18 and older recommended.
• Midweek Trekkers: Moon Loop Trail, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday: Grab a hiking stick and join a MDC guide on the Moon Loop Trail in Boone County. The 6.2-mile hike will be moderate, so wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and pack a lunch. Participants will meet at Runge Nature Center. Registration is required at bit.ly/3vQiiuf. Ages 18 and older recommended.
• Doodle Socking for Crappie, 6-7 p.m. March 17 at Runge: Looking for a cheap and fun way to catch crappie? Discover the technique of doodle socking in preparation for the fishing season. MDC staff will teach about this fishing method, providing tips and tricks for a successful experience. Registration is required at bit.ly/3IWEF4F. Ages 12 and older recommended.
• Woody Invasive Plant Removal, 10 a.m.-noon March 17: Plant species like bush honeysuckle, privet, burning bush and autumn olive can be an invasive species across forests and prairies, destroying habitat for other native plants and animals. Learn to identify and eliminate these plants on the Runge Nature Center grounds. Participants will receive a native shrub to plant at home. MDC will provide the gloves and tools, and long pants and shoes recommended, as the event can get dirty. Registration is required at bit.ly/34rFLXg. Ages 8 and older recommended.
• Native Plant Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 26: Enjoy the beauty of state plants at Runge Nature Center's annual native plant sale, offered in partnership with the GrowNative! Program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation. Browse native plant vendors, demonstrations and displays, and make your own biodegradable plant pot to take home. No registration is required, and all ages are welcome.
To manage your program registration, visit mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. Once your account is set up, you will receive details about specific programs. You can also link your child's account to your account to streamline the registration process under the "My Group Profile" tab.
Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday. Trails at the nature center are open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. every day. MDC advises visitors to be observant of local COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and masking. Masks should be worn inside the nature center and at public programs.