People can learn about owls at Springfield Nature Center

Indoor and outdoor activities will provide opportunities to see and listen for owls.

Owls are infrequently seen because of their nocturnal lifestyles. But that doesn’t mean they’re not appreciated. Because they hunt mice, rats and other rodents that can be pests for humans; these fascinating creatures are a beneficial part of Missouri’s outdoors.

People can learn more about the species of owls found in Missouri on Jan. 7 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center’s “Owl Prowl and Evening Stroll” event. This owl-themed evening will have both indoor and outdoor components.

For the indoor portion of the program, Dickerson Park Zoo docents will offer programs in the nature center auditorium at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. that will feature live owls. There, people can see several species of owls that reside in Missouri and people can also learn more about the unique physical characteristics that make owls effective nocturnal hunters. COVID procedures will be in place for this program which means masks are strongly encouraged.

People wanting to participate in the 6-6:45 p.m. auditorium program can register at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181546.

People wanting to take part in the 7-7:45 auditorium program can register at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181547.

People wanting to take part in the 8-8:45 auditorium program can register at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181548.

In addition to this, people will be able to enjoy a stroll along the Springfield Nature Center trails at night. Stop by one of the naturalist stations on the trail to meet and chat with a naturalist about owls. The trails will be patrolled, but hikers will be on their own so people wanting to participate in these night-time hikes should bring a flashlight and a walking partner.

For more information about this or other programs at the nature center, call 417-888-4237. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way near highways 60 and 65.

For information about other upcoming MDC events at the nature center and elsewhere in the state, go to www.mdc.mo.gov/events.