Butterfly tagging and bird- watching will be the focus of two upcoming events at the Runge Nature Center.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is inviting residents to participate in a monarch butterfly tagging event at the center. There will be four separate opportunities to witness the tagging: • 2-4 p.m. Sept. 20. • 5-7 p.m. Sept. 23. • 2-4 p.m. Sept. 27. • 2-4 p.m. Oct. 1.
Scientists tag butterflies to track where the insects migrate to and how they get to their final destinations. It also allows scientists to track how long the migration journey takes the butterflies.
Registration is not required. All ages are welcome at these events. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4qJ. For any questions, email the instructor at [email protected].
There will also be two bird-watching events at Runge in the next few weeks.
• Residents can join MDC naturalists to observe birds that call the nature center grounds home from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Sept. 23 and Oct. 5.
Participants do not need to bring anything other than comfortable walking shoes and water as binoculars and field guides will be provided. This event is designed for ages 8 and older, and registration will be required.
To register for the Sept. 23 event, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4TH. To register for the Oct. 5 event, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4TV. Registration for the Oct. 5 event will not open until Sept. 15.
• This month and next, MDC, in partnership with Spotlight on the Arts and JARICK Productions, is exhibiting more than 40 guest artists at Runge.
Each of the guest artists vary in their chosen art medium, and guests are invited to view the exhibit and vote for their favorite work of art. This event has no age restriction, no registration is required, and the exhibit is free to all visitors.
The exhibit will be open during all normal business hours of the nature center.
Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Dr. in Jefferson City.