The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City has a full schedule of programs planned for March.
To protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the nature center, total building occupancy at the center is limited to 50 people at any time. Guests must wear a mask covering their mouth and nose, and they must practice physical distancing while inside the nature center. Visitors should bring their own drinking water, as drinking fountains will be out of service.
Most programs require registration in advance, and space is limited. All participants must wear masks covering their mouth and nose at all in-person events.
March programs at the nature center will include:
• Spring Mushrooms (virtual) — 1-2 p.m. March 12. For all ages. Join MDC’s State Botanist and Missouri Mycological Society’s Mid-Missouri President Malissa Briggler as she presents about mushrooms that pop up in the spring — including the beloved morel. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/176144.
• Midweek Trekkers: Ha Ha Tonka State Park — 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 17. For ages 18 and older. Put on your hiking shoes and travel to Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton to join a guided hike on one of the trails. The trail is 4-5 miles long and of moderate difficulty. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and pack a lunch/snack. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/176151.
• Kids for Conservation: Survival Shelter Building — 10 a.m.-noon March 20. For ages 7-12. Practicing survival skills is a fun way to connect with nature while teaching valuable, potentially lifesaving experiences. Roll up your sleeves to discover firsthand how to build a survival shelter. No more than one adult may attend with each registered participant. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/176121.
• 3-D Archery — 2-4 p.m. March 23. For ages 8 and older. This intermediate program helps hone archery skills and introduces the basics of archery hunting. 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. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/176090.
• Forest Fun Free Play — 10 a.m.-noon March 24. For ages 12 and younger. Unstructured free play at Runge. Build a shelter, study “creepy crawlies,” climb trees and get dirty. Free play in nature allows children to test their physical limits, engage their senses and practice emotional regulation, and is an important part of healthy psychological and physical development. No more than one adult with each registered participant. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/176122.
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.
For more information, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-nature-center or call the center at 573-526-5544.