MDC invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20

 Participants will learn about owls before observing owls in their natural habitat.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Participants will learn through presentations about owls, owl pellet dissection, and naturalist-led owl prowls. Owl presentations and prowls will begin every half hour from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The owl prowls, which are optional, will include a short hike on the nature center’s grounds so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

The University of Missouri’s Raptor Rehab will be bringing several species of owls for participants to view up close before their hike.

This event is free to the public and open to all ages with no prior registration necessary. Questions can be directed to Sarah Easton at sarah.easton@mdc.mo.gov. Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.

MDC’s Runge Nature Center announces August programs

Runge Nature Center offers a full program of
events to help visitors discover nature in August.
Program topics include reptiles, migratory insects, t
ree ID, and more. Register today to attend
a program and discover nature with Runge.

FREE public programs include reptiles, migratory insects, tree ID, and animal Olympics.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City is open and ready to connect you with nature this summer.

To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all visitors to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

The nature center has a full schedule of programs planned for August. Most programs require registration in advance and space is limited, so Nature Center Assistant Manager Becky Matney encourages guests to familiarize themselves with MDC’s event website at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. 

Unless otherwise noted, registration opens Aug. 1 for all programs.

August programs at the nature center will include:

• Reptiles: Tails, Scales, and Shells — Virtual Program
  Wednesday Aug. 4, 3–4 p.m — all ages
  Why do snakes stick out their tongues? How tough is a turtle’s shell? Slither into this virtual, naturalist-led program that will include activities, slides, and live animals. Instructors will dispel fear and make connections to help participants learn the unique and important roles reptiles play in Missouri.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178242.
       * Early registration — now open

• Insects at Night
  Friday, Aug. 6, 9–11 p.m. — all ages
  Discover the wonderful and mysterious insect life that comes out after dark.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178247.
       * Early registration — now open
• Discover Nature: Tree ID
  Saturday, Aug. 14, 9–11 a.m. — ages 12+
  Join a Runge naturalist on an informational hike and take a moment to really get to know the trees around you. Participants will become equipped with the tools to identify trees, in addition to discovering Missouri’s most common trees.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178248.
  
  
• Midweek Trekkers: Graham Cave State Park
  Wednesday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — ages 18+
  Put on your hiking shoes and travel to Graham Cave State Park in Montgomery County to join a guided hike. Distance: 4 miles; difficulty: moderate. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and pack a lunch/snack.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178249.  
  
  
• Discover Nature: Migratory Insects — Virtual Program
  Thursday, Aug. 26, 4–5 p.m. — ages 12+
  During the fall, a monarch, which weighs half as much as a paperclip, may travel 50 to 100 miles a day and migrate a total of 3,000 miles over two months. Learn all about this incredible journey and those made by a variety of other fantastic insect migrators.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178251.         
       *Early registration — now open
  
  
• Conservation Kids: Animal Olympic Games
  Saturday, Aug. 28, 9–11 a.m. — ages 7–12
  Humans aren’t the only animals that can be athletes. Come be a part of the Animal Olympic Games. Discover who are the strongest, fastest, and smartest animal athletes in Missouri, and how humans measure up to these critter Olympians.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178252.  

Visitors can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating an account, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once registrants create an account and register for events, they will receive details about those specific programs.

Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts which will streamline the program registration process.  Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each individual.  This functionality will allow parents to register their entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.  First, users will log into their account and click “My Group Profile,” then add family members to their account.  Setting up a group account today will make program registration quicker and easier for all MDC programs.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Visitors should practice physical distancing and wear masks covering mouth and nose when distancing is not feasible. 

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center, or call the nature center at 573-526-5544. 

Mid Missouri Banner MDC’s Runge Nature Center reopens July 7 with health precautions

A group of kayakers paddle on a lake at sunset.
Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City will resume
public programs in July, including a kayak clinic at
Binder Lake. Make plans to attend an outdoor
 or virtual program and discover nature at Runge this July.

FREE public programs to resume, outdoors or in a virtual setting.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City will reopen July 7 with public health precautions in place. Outdoor programs will resume at the nature center this month, as well as virtual offerings. The nature center has released its program schedule for the month of July at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. Most programs require registration in advance, and, unless otherwise noted, registration opens at 8 a.m. on July 1 for all programs.

To protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the nature center, total building occupancy will be limited to 50 people at any time. During busy times, some visitors may need to wait outside until other guests exit the building. 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. Most public programs will take place virtually or outdoors. In any setting, guests must practice physical distancing and frequent handwashing.

July programs at the nature center will include:

• Summer Surprises — Virtual Programs
  Tuesdays in July, 1–1:30 p.m. — all ages
  In Missouri’s warmest season, nature can come alive at any moment, revealing many fascinating interactions. Join a 30-minute, naturalist-led virtual program each week to explore a new and exciting summer surprise.
  Registration required at: short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf.
  
  
• Animal Feedings — Virtual Programs
  Fridays in July, 1–1:30 p.m. — all ages
  Join Runge naturalists each week to get up close and personal with some of Missouri’s coolest critters. Different creatures will be featured every week as we watch and learn how Runge’s animal ambassadors eat their food.
  Registration required at: short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf.
  
  
• Exploring the Flora Factory — Virtual Program
  Thursday, July 16, 1–1:45 p.m. — ages 7–12
  We rely on plants for food, fuel, building products, medicines, and even the air we breathe. Discover processes that help plants thrive so we can survive, and conduct at-home experiments to demonstrate the inner workings of the flora factory.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173628.
  
  
• Night Hike @ Runge — Outdoor Program
  Friday, July 17, 9–10:30 p.m. — ages 6+
  Relax in the cool of a summer evening as we explore how animals use adaptations to survive and thrive in the darkness. Embark on a naturalist-led hike to explore our night senses and learn more about nocturnal mysteries on the Runge trails.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173627.

• Kayaking @ Binder Lake — Outdoor Program
  Thursday, July 23, 6–8 p.m. — ages 10+
  Discover the freedom of exploring a lake from a kayak. Learn about paddling and all the basics to get you water-ready. MDC will provide all equipment.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173626.
  
  
• The Hikers @ Prairie Garden Trust — Outdoor Program
  Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — ages 18+
  Travel to Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield to hike some of the shorter trails on the area. Bring lunch, water, and insect repellent, and dress for the weather.
  Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173629.

Nature center guests can conveniently manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents. The first step in registering for a program is creating a profile, then signing up for future programs is simple. Once registrants create a profile and register for events, they will receive details about those specific programs.

Sign up for email and/or text updates from Runge Nature Center and other conservation news at mdc.mo.gov/GovDelivery.

Events at Runge Nature Center are free, thanks to the one-eighth of 1 percent conservation sales tax. Runge Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Trails at the nature center are open every day, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.  The nature center will be closed on July 3–4 for Independence Day, though trails will remain open.

For more information about events at Runge Conservation Nature Center, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-nature-center, or call the nature center at (573) 526-5544.

MDC Runge Nature Center hosts Powerful Pollinators event .

Learn more about Missouri’s butterflies, wasps, and bees with MDC staff July 29

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Conservation Nature Center will host Powerful Pollinators, Friday, July 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event is open to all ages with no registration required.

Start the weekend by learning the important role insect pollinators play in nature. Meet costumed insects along the trails and discover why they are peculiar pollinators. Learn about “beautiful butterflies,” “wonderful wasps,” and “busy bees” at different stations. Enjoy a snack provided by pollinators while participating in a variety of activities.

Nature staff reminds event goers to come with water bottles, bug spray, and hiking shoes. 

For questions, call Runge Conservation Nature Center at 573-526-5544. For information on other upcoming events and programs at the Nature Center, visit mdc.mo.gov/events.

Runge Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately .5 mile north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

MDC Runge Nature Center invites kids to creek crawl

Kids can discover nature by exploring Nature Center creek with MDC staff July 15.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Conservation Nature Center invites children ages 7-12 years to discover nature this summer at a “creek crawl” at the Nature Center on Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

This free event offers kids the chance to explore the Nature Center’s North Wears Creek bed, wet or dry. Whether splashing through puddles or playing with rocks, the creek crawl will provide a trail of a different nature. Before the heat of the day peaks, children will have an opportunity to make new discoveries and experience a different part of Runge.

Nature staff reminds parents to make sure kids are ready for the day with water bottles, bug spray and sunscreen, as well as appropriate footwear such as old tennis shoes.

Parents do not need to come, but are welcome to attend. Registration for this event is required and begins July 1. To register, or for more information, call the Runge Conservation Nature Center at (573) 526-5544. For information on this and other events and programs at the Nature Center, visitmdc.mo.gov and search “events” at the top of the webpage.

Runge Conservation Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately .5 miles north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Acoustic musical artist John Nilsen to perform at Runge Conservation Nature Center June 23

MDC invites public to free concert, photo exhibit in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – There are different paths to discovering nature, and music and photography are two of the most popular.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will welcome popular northwest musical artist John Nilsen to a live performance at its Runge Conservation Nature Center Thursday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.The concert is free and open to the general public.  Nilsen, a noted pianist and acoustic musician, comes from Portland, Ore. He is one of the largest-selling musical artists in the Northwestern U.S. 

For this multi-media engagement, Nilsen will compliment his music with the spectacular nature, landscape, and wildlife images of MDC Photographer Noppadol Paothong.  Paothong’s photography can be seen regularly in MDC’s Missouri Conservationist Magazine, as well as many other MDC publications.

According to Nilsen, “As a performer, I like exploring beyond the boundaries of my recorded songs. It gives me the chance to offer something special, spontaneous and personal to my audience.  The entire performance hinges on the connection not only between the players, but with the audience as well.”

Nilsen began studying classical piano at age 6. Since then, his music has touched the lives of millions of listeners through his CDs, radio, concerts, and his record label, Magic Wing. Nilsen gains inspiration for some of his music through the beauty of nature.

Based out of Oregon, Nilsen is a sought-after performer throughout the U.S.  He has performed in all 50 states and toured the United Kingdom as well. 

Notable releases by Nilsen during his nearly three-decade career include his first solo piano album, Places I Go, and the folk rock CD, John Nilsen and Swimfish—both on his own Magic Wing label.  His latest release, Local Ocean, will be out this summer.  More details on Nilsen’s work can be found atjohnnilsen.com. 

“Nature is defined not only through science but through music and the arts,” said Kathy Cavender, manager of Runge Conservation Nature Center. “John Nilsen brings nature to life through his music.  He shares his love of nature through stories and songs that cut to the very essence of our connection to nature.”

Attendance for the concert is free and open to all 12 years and older. No registration is required. For more information, contact the Runge Conservation Nature Center at 573-526-5544.

Runge Conservation Nature Center encourages hometown discovery with Passport Jefferson City

Participating locations offer free activities and prizes.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – From now until Sept. 5, the Runge Conservation Nature Center will offer a new program, Passport Jefferson City. The free program is designed to encourage people to explore their hometown, including discovering new places around Jefferson City and the city’s rich history.

Participants complete tasks at participating local locations, earn small prizes and have their passport sheets stamped. Tasks consist of a tour, scavenger hunt or small activity. All activities are free and open to the public.

“Passport Jefferson City is a great avenue for discovering Missouri’s treasures right here in Jefferson City,” said Kathy Cavender, manager of Runge Conservation Nature Center.

Participating locations include Runge Conservation Nature Center, Highway Patrol Safety Education Center, Lincoln University Farmer’s Market, Missouri State Archives and other local organizations.

Participants who visit and receive stamps at all sites in the Passport Jefferson City program will be eligible to win one of three large gift baskets containing Jefferson City centered items. 

Participants can drop off completed sheets at their final passport location, or can mail them to Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 700 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. 

The drawing winner for the basket will be announced in September.

Passport sheets are available at each participating location as well as online athttp://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZk. 

To schedule tours of sites, contact the location directly using the information on the back of the Passport sheet. For questions about the program, contact Runge Conservation Nature Center at 573-526-5544.

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MDC seeks public input on Runge Nature Center

Attend open house March 15 for discussion on management of the area.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.— The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants public input on the Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City. MDC is in the multi-year process of updating management plans for almost 1,000 conservation areas throughout the state, and invites public comments.

MDC invites public comment at the Runge Nature Center to aid staff in developing a 10-year management plan for the area. Interested persons or groups are invited to stop by and bring their ideas to an open house between 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Runge Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City. MDC welcomes input on the plan from recreational users, neighboring landowners, conservation groups, elected officials and government agencies.

The public is welcome to share ideas, compliments or suggestions with MDC staff at the open house. This draft plan focuses on the grounds of the nature center and not the facility or educational programs.  Staff will answer questions about management practices at Runge or about conservation in general. Visitors will also be able to fill out comment sheets.

“No matter your age or ability, Runge is a great place to explore and discover nature,” said Nature Center Manager Kathy Cavender. “The public input and planning process we have underway will help ensure that Runge will continue to meet the diverse interests of Missouri citizens who utilize the area today and in the future.”

Stop by for refreshments and some good discussion on various topics, including deer/wildlife issues, habitat management, and trails.  The draft area plan will also be available online for public comment,March 1-31, at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans. 

Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how to best incorporate them are based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and statewide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.  After considering all public comments, the final plan will be drafted, approved, and posted online.

Runge Nature Center occupies 112 acres and includes a 27,000 square-foot nature center building. Venture outside to explore the five different hiking trails that wind through savanna, prairie, marsh, wetland, and woodland habitats.

Runge Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately a half-mile north of Hwy 50. Building hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.  

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