Runge Conservation Nature Center February reminders

Introduction to Winter Bird Identification

February 8, 9– 11 a.m. • Registration required. Ages 7+

Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify birds found in your backyard? Join us as we learn the basics of bird identification, how to use binoculars and field guides, and how to attract birds to your own backyard. Equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

The Value of Native Bees

February 13, 6 – 7:30 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 16+

Discover the amazing world of the more than 460 species of native bees that call Missouri home. Bees live in our yards and gardens, many times right under our noses, providing essential pollinator power! Learn where native bees nest and what they require to thrive in your neighborhood. If you build it, they will come!

Nature’s Needlers: Bald Cypress

February 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 18+

Nature’s Needlers is a monthly series featuring a nature presentation along with a customized quilt block pattern to take home and complete at your own pace. Our 2025 theme is “Missouri’s Natural Communities.” Cory Gregg, former forester and now a private land conservationist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, will describe the marshes, swamps and fens natural community and one of its characteristic trees, the bald cypress (our 2nd quilt block of the year).

Birds: Raptor Identification and Viewing

February 14, 1 – 4:30 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 13+

Eagles, hawks, falcons, and vultures captivate us with their power and grace. Discover where to find these common Missouri raptors and how to identify them. After the classroom portion of the program, we will venture to the outskirts of Jefferson City to try and catch a glimpse of these spectacular birds. Runge will provide round-trip transportation and binoculars (or feel free to bring your own). Be sure to dress for the weather.

Lobby Activity: The Great Backyard Bird Count

February 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • No registration required. All ages

Stop by and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Started by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society in 1998, this project not only helps with worldwide bird population data but is also a great opportunity for all nature enjoyers to look at and learn more about the birds we have right in our own backyard. Enjoy bird-themed crafts and games too!

Puppet Show: Creatures of the Night

February 15, 11 – 11:30 a.m. • No registration required. All ages

Flying squirrel has a problem. He’s afraid of the dark! Instead of looking for food after the sun goes down, he wants to hide from what might happen. Come and see if firefly, bat, red fox, and other nocturnal creatures can help him understand why he’s frightened and help him gain confidence.

Puppet Show: Creatures of the Night

February 15, 1 – 1:30 p.m. • No registration required. All ages

Flying squirrel has a problem. He’s afraid of the dark! Instead of looking for food after the sun goes down, he wants to hide from what might happen. Come and see if firefly, bat, red fox, and other nocturnal creatures can help him understand why he’s frightened and help him gain confidence.

Salamander Prowl

February 17, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Registration required. All ages

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the specific weather conditions required, this will be a short-notice program that may not happen on the advertised date; it may occur any day of the week. Once we know the salamanders are migrating, we will contact participants by phone and email the morning of the program and announce a specific start time. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Spring brings warm, wet weather…which means the salamanders are coming! The best time to find spotted salamanders is when they make their annual migration to their breeding ponds during the first warm, evening rain of the spring. Join us at Runge as we explore the migration and breeding habits of these slimy, secretive salamanders.

Hiking: Mid-Week Trekkers at Bennett Springs State Park

February 19, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 18+

Location: Bennett Spring State Park

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of Savannah Ridge Trail at Bennett Spring State Park (Laclede County); 3 miles – intermediate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.

Hiking: Hikers at Three Creeks Conservation Area

February 22, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 18+

Location: Three Creeks Conservation Area

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of Turkey Creek Interpretive Trail at Three Creeks Conservation Area (Boone County); 3 miles – easy. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.

Nature Jewelry

February 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 14+

Create beautiful works of wearable art using a variety of natural items such as deer antlers and turkey or duck feathers. All materials provided.

VIRTUAL: Mighty Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

February 27, 6 – 7 p.m. • Registration required. All ages

Location: Online only

If you were to think about what kinds of critters live in water, you’d probably immediately think of things like fish, frogs, and turtles. But what about the ones that aren’t as easy to see? Learn more about some of the common aquatic macroinvertebrates in Missouri and why they are so important to the ecosystem and human health. These animals may be miniature, but they have a mighty impact! Registration required. Be sure to include your email address with your registration. The naturalist will email the program link both the day before and day of the program.

Conservation Kids: Owl Prowl

February 28, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. • Registration required. Ages 7-12

Step into the nocturnal world of owls! Discover the unique adaptations that owls possess for life at night. Learn about the different species of owls that frequent Missouri, and what makes them special. We will then venture out for a short hike to see if we can observe owls at Runge.