July Events at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center

(Registration for programs begins July 1, 2018, unless otherwise noted.)

EVENTS:

Current Nature Center Hours and Trails --

Building: Tuesday -- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays and all state holidays.

Trails: Sunday -- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Effective March 1 to Oct. 31)

Saturday, July 14 --

s Venomous Snakes of Missouri -- 1 to 2 p.m.

You've heard the tales about them, now's your chance to learn the truth. We'll explore the myths and realities of Missouri's misunderstood pit vipers. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

s Venomous Snakes On Display -- 2 to 3 p.m.

Come see live specimens of Missouri's venomous snakes on display courtesy of Finley Valley Serpentarium. Stop by anytime. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Tuesday, July 17 --

Introduction To Kayaking -- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Kayaking can be a great way to get outdoors and see the Ozarks from a new perspective. Join instructors from the Ozark Mountain Paddlers for an introductory lesson at Lake Springfield. Equipment is provided. Class will meet at the boathouse in Lake Springfield Park. Ages 18-adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Wednesday, July 18 --

Conservation TEENS: Float Trip -- 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come along as we float and explore one of the many streams in the Ozarks. Life jackets will be worn during the float trip. Sunscreen will be provided or you may bring your own. Snacks, drinks and transportation will be provided. Ages 12-17. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Thursday, July 19 --

s Birds At And Around The Nest--Tales Of A Field Photographer -- 2 to 3 p.m.

Volunteer Naturalist and outdoor photographer Bob Ball shares his personal experiences of photographing nesting birds from his own backyard to birds in the field. Ages 11-adult. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

s Beginning Canoeing For Families -- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Come join us and learn basic canoe paddling strokes and canoe handling. Put all your new-found knowledge into practice as you paddle your own canoe. Meet at Lake Springfield Southwood Access for a great evening on the water. Ages 12-adult, ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Friday, July 20 --

Take A Hike -- 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hike at Cedar Gap Conservation Area with Volunteer Naturalist Pat Stritzel. Meet at the nature center and carpool. Bring water and snacks and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is three miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Ages 18-adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Saturday, July 21 --

Nature Art With A Chinese Brushstroke -- 1 to 2:30 p.m. OR 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.

Art instructor and nature enthusiast Hing Wah Hatch will increase your powers of observation as she demonstrates, step-by-step, how to capture the essence of local plants and animals through Chinese-style painting. Participants will go home with more nature knowledge and their own artistic masterpiece. Ages 8-adult. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Wednesday, July 25 --

Little Acorns: Snake Slither -- 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11:15 to 12 noon

Kids, slither in and get up close and personal with nature's most misunderstood reptile. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Thursday, July 26 --

Conservation Kids: Leapin' Lizards -- 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Summer is the perfect time for lizards, and the nature center is one of the best places to spot them. Learn about Missouri's 13 species of lizards, and make a lizard craft to take home. Ages 7-12. Please, no younger siblings and only one adult per group of kids. Online registration begins July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Saturday, July 28 --

Little Acorns: Calling All Cicadas -- 10 to 10:45 a.m.

The droning sound of male cicadas provide background music to summers in the Ozarks. Spend some time learning about these fascinating and loud insects before they quietly disappear. Please, no organized groups. Ages 3-6. No registration required. Please call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Sunday, July 29 --

Summer Hummers -- 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Here is your chance to see a ruby-throated hummingbird up close! Join master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver to learn more about this winged jewel while attempting to capture some for banding. All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.