The Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City will continue to offer free public programs in December.
Most programs will take place outdoors or virtually in order to ensure public safety in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. All participants must wear masks covering mouth and nose at all in-person events and while inside the nature center.
Programs require registration in advance, and space is limited.
Total building occupancy at the nature center will be limited to 50 people at any time, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Visitors will need to use enter- and exit-only doors and should bring their own drinking water, as drinking fountains will be out of service.
Registration for all events can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.
December programs at the nature center will include:
Discover Nature: Winter Wonders (Virtual) - 1-1:30 p.m. Tuesday and 4-4:30 p.m. Dec. 17. As the hush of winter falls over Missouri, and nature's pace slows, there are still mysteries to explore. Participants of all ages can join Runge naturalists for these 30-minute programs exploring the wonders of winter. Participants will receive a link from the presenter on the day of the program.
Little Acorns: Nature's Gifts (Outdoors) - 10-11 a.m. Wednesday and 10-11 a.m. Dec. 31. Nature gives us so many gifts. Join Runge staff to put them to use and create natural holiday decorations. Ages 3-6 are welcome. No more than one adult with each registered participant; additional siblings or unregistered participants will not be able to attend.
Discover Nature: Beginner Archery (Outdoors) - 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday and 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Want to learn the basics of archery and how to shoot safely? Join this program and you'll be hitting the bullseye in no time. Ages 10 and older are welcome. Meet at the Runge outdoor pavilion. Dress for the weather with closed-toed shoes and non-baggy clothing. The Runge archery range is not ADA-accessible.
Discover Nature: Cooking with Conservation (Virtual) - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2-3 p.m. Dec. 21. Tasting harvested wild game is one of the most rewarding experiences from your hunt. Join Runge Naturalist Karli Dawson for these virtual programs to learn how to prepare seared duck breast and venison roast (Dec. 16), and venison Wellington and duck poppers (Dec. 21). All ages. Participants will receive a link from the presenter on the day of the program.
Winter Backyard Bird Watching (Virtual) - 10-11 a.m. Dec. 21, 10-11 a.m. Winter is a great time to watch birds at your backyard feeders. This virtual program will help you identify birds visiting your feeders and offer tips on how to attract them. All ages are welcome. Participants will receive a link from the presenter on the day of the program.
Discover Nature: Cedar Wreath Building (Outdoors) - 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon, 1-2 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Dec. 22. Celebrate the holidays and help Runge make use of removed invasive cedar trees by building your own wreath to take home. Ages 18 and older are welcome.
Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays. Trails at the nature center are open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. every day.