Register by November 5
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 8:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Ages 18 and up
Enjoy fall colors on the Green Rock Trail! Participants will join Rockwoods Reservation naturalists on a challenging 16 mile hike through Rockwoods Reservation, Greensfelder County Park, and ending in Rockwoods Range. Please bring plenty of snacks and water, and packable lunch. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for a long hike with a few steep inclines and rocky terrain. This is a no-drop hike (we will not be splitting up at any point), and naturalists will be driving participants back to Rockwoods Reservation at the end. This is a moderate-difficult trail.
Register by November 5
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 9:30am to 3:30pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
While known for trout fishing, Roaring River State Park also has an array of hiking trails. Volunteer naturalist Sandy Vaughn will help you become familiar with their trail system. Meet at the CCC Lodge at Roaring River State Park, near Cassville. Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is five to six miles and rated moderate to difficult. Ages 18-adult.
Register by November 4
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Ages 12 and up
Enjoy the fall colors as we hike this 3-mile loop. Using the information from the Hike 101 program, dress for the weather and use skills taught in the session. Glassberg is a moderate hiking trail with hills that winds through wooded areas and meadows. View the Meramec River Valley and if lucky, a hawk or eagle at the scenic overlook.
THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE AT MYRON AND SONYA GLASSBERG FAMILY CONSERVATION AREA.
Register by October 31
Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve
Join us November 7th for a fast-paced, 5+ mile hike at Shaw Nature Reserve. There will be uneven trails, steep terrain, and potentially cold weather, so be sure to dress appropriately and use proper footwear.
Register by November 9
Date: Thursday, November 11, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Ages 12 and up
Enjoy the fall colors as we hike this 3-mile loop. Using the information from the Hike 101 program, dress for the weather and use skills taught in the session. Glassberg is a moderate hiking trail with hills that winds through wooded areas and meadows. View the Meramec River Valley and if lucky, a hawk or eagle at the scenic overlook.
THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE AT MYRON AND SONYA GLASSBERG FAMILY CONSERVATION AREA.
Register by November 12
Date: Saturday, November 13, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Join us for an invigorating mid-November hike of the Turkey Ridge Trail. As we progress along the trail we will talk about the habitat, food, habits and calls of wild turkeys. If we are really lucky, we may even see or hear some wild turkeys. The hike is moderate effort; 2.0 miles with two hills. Participants meet at the Turkey Ridge Trailhead parking lot in the northeast corner of the intersection of Woods Ave and Hwy 109. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
Register by November 16
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Grab your hiking stick and join a guided hike at Mark Twain State Park in Monroe County. 4 miles-moderate. Meet at the Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. 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. Registration Required.
Register by November 17
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Join us for an invigorating mid-November hike of the Turkey Ridge Trail. As we progress along the trail we will talk about the habitat, food, habits and calls of wild turkeys. If we are really lucky, we may even see or hear some wild turkeys. The hike is moderate effort; 2.0 miles with two hills. This program is geared towards homeschoolers, but all can attend. Participants meet at the Turkey Ridge Trailhead parking lot in the northeast corner of the intersection of Woods Ave and Hwy 109. MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
Register by November 18
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Location: Virtual
Backpacking is an excellent way to exercise and enjoy nature!
Join us November 18th for Backpacking Basics to learn what and how to pack for a hiking adventure as well as what features to look for in a backpack, fun places to explore in Missouri and important planning procedures.
Date: Friday, November 26, 2021 - 9:00am to 10:30am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Stuffed with holiday food, weary of noisy guests, and then expected to go shopping at dawn and fight for holiday deals; if this sounds like a real headache to you why not #Optout(side) with us at the nature center! The trails at the nature center hold the secret to peace and serenity, if you just take the time to explore their beautiful hills. This 1.5-mile hike is open to all ages, but our trails are hilly. Your guide will keep a slow pace as they stop to show you just how special a Missouri forest can be. So, opt-out and join us for a gift you can really be thankful for.
Register by November 24
Date: Friday, November 26, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Take a leisurely stroll (or, if you prefer, a brisk walk) between the fields and prairies of Columbia Bottom.
The fresh air and lack of crowds will be a welcome change from the hubbub that often fills our lives in this time of the year. Meet at the Cropland Overlook (lot "k") about 4 1/2 miles from the front gate. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.
MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
Register by November 26
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021 - 8:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Camden County to explore the Honey Run Trail. 6 miles-moderate. Meet at the Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. 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. Registration Required. Ages 18 and up.
Register by November 26
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Location: Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center
Feel the need to walk off the turkey dinner? Join us for a mile hike along Lake Taneycomo! This Naturalist led hike will dish up some fun facts about wild turkeys. Wear your walking/hiking shoes, bring water if needed, and dress for the weather.
We will meet outside in front of the Conservation Center at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. This hike will be limited to 15 participants and registration is required. Please remember to practice social distancing and masks are encouraged for when it is not possible.
For more information, call (417) 334-4865 ext. 0 or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov
Register by November 27
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Walk off that Thanksgiving meal while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and lake-side scenery as we hike the 2.5 mile loop trail at Tywappity Community Lake. This trail is ranked moderate with some steep inclines and uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. We will be meeting at the nature center and riding to the site. We encourage participants to wear a mask while in the vehicle.
Register by November 27
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Tywappity Community Lake
Walk off that Thanksgiving meal while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and lake-side scenery as we hike the 2.5 mile loop trail at Tywappity Community Lake. This trail is ranked moderate with some steep inclines and uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. We will be meeting at the parking lot at Tywappity Community Lake.