Runge Conservation Nature Center
Runge Conservation Nature Center (CNC), located in the heart of central Missouri on 112 acres, is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The center provides programs and other opportunities for visitors to view, learn about, and appreciate the variety of habitats, plants, and animals found in Missouri.
Five hiking trails loop through woodlands, prairies, glades, and next to ponds and a beautiful wet-weather stream. The five trails total 2.4 miles, and three trails are hard-surfaced while two have a wood chipped surface. A fire tower offers great views of our restored prairie and savanna.
The nature center features exhibits with live animals, a large fish aquarium, a wildlife viewing area, a nature library, and a gift shop.
Find out more about the nature center, including directions, maps, and building hours.
Runge CNC
What to Expect at the Nature Center
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled program. Late arrivals will shorten your program time.
- Let us know in advance if anyone in your group needs special accommodations.
- Some programs include an outdoor component. In case of inclement weather, an indoor program may be substituted. If Jefferson City Schools are closed due to weather, all programs will be canceled.
- Please ensure students wear closed-toe, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- An outdoor pavilion is available for lunch on a first-come, first-served basis. The area is equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and trash cans.
Scheduling a Program
The nature center offers a variety of free, naturalist-led programs for visitors of all ages. Each program incorporates hands-on learning, and many are aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards. All programs are designed specifically to enhance science-based subjects, but many are cross-curricular.
For more information, call 573-526-5544, or email Runge@mdc.mo.gov. To schedule a free program, email RungePrograms@mdc.mo.gov.
In-Person Programs
All Ages
Naturalist Pick
45-50 minutes
Can’t decide what topic you’d like to explore? Let the Runge staff pick one for you.
Pre-K (ages 3-5)
Pre-K programs 45 minutes
Amazing Amphibians
Frogs and other amphibians need water to start their life. Children will get to observe and experience live animals and discover the life cycle of frogs, toads and salamanders during this program. Contact us to discuss adding a pond exploration opportunity to your program.
Missouri Early Learning Standards: II.A
Animal Wrappers
Ever seen a turtle in trousers or a possum in a parka? It sounds silly because animals don’t need clothes, they have their own special coverings! Learn how the covering of some common Missouri animals help protect them through a story, puppets, and a live animal or two.
Missouri Early Learning Standards: I.A, II.A
Incredible Insects
What has six legs, antennae, and is REALLY incredible? Insects! Discover what features beetles, butterflies, ants, and bees have in common that make them all insects. Children will get to observe live insects, listen to a fun storybook, and learn through puppets and other props. Programs at Runge will include an outdoor exploration component (weather permitting).
Missouri Early Learning Standards: II.A, III.A
Sensory Safari
Ready for an adventure? Embark on a sensory safari and discover nature using your 5 senses! This interactive walk will have children utilize their senses to explore the outdoors and learn about plants and animals that live at Runge. This program is presented at Runge only.
Missouri Early Learning Standards: I.A, II.A, III.A
Terrific Trees
It might not look like it, but trees are a lot like us! This outdoor program investigates our silent neighbors and relates our physical features to theirs. We will take a short walk on our Naturescape trail to see real life examples of these similarities and conclude with a short story highlighting the importance of these vital plants. This program is presented at Runge only.
Missouri Early Learning Standards: II.A, III.A
Turtle Tales
Turtles, with their hard, protective shell, are easy to recognize and fun to learn about! This program teaches children to respect wildlife while observing and interacting with two different species of turtles, discovering the reptile’s life history, touching turtle artifacts, and listening to a fun story book.
Missouri Early Learning Standards: I.A, II.A
Grades K–4
Animal Wrappers
50 minutes
Fur, feathers, scales, and slime are special structures that cover different animals, protect them, and help them survive. People have designed their own protective outer coverings by mimicking these animals’
special external parts. We will use live animals and props to explore the differences among animal “wrappers.”
Missouri Learning Standards: 1.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.A.1
Grades K–5
Insects
50 minutes
Insects are one of the most important groups of animals in the world. We will use props, mounts, and sometimes live insects to help students learn that insects, as pollinators, predators, food sources, scavengers, and decomposers, are critically important to people and wildlife.
Missouri Learning Standards: 2.LS2.A.2, 4.LS1.A.1
Sensory Exploration
50 minutes
Like a wild animal, you can use all your senses to learn about the outdoors. Students will discover nature using their five senses during this interactive nature hike. Sensory Exploration requests are dependent on student ages, group size, and staff availability. This program is presented at Runge only.
Missouri Learning Standards: 4.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.D.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1
Grades K–6
Food Chains
50 minutes
Starting with the sun, all living organisms are linked together. Various props, activities, and a live animal will help students explore the elements of food chains and the larger web of life.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 5.PS3.D.1, 5.LS2.B.1, 5.ESS3.C.1, 6-8.LS2.B.1
Grades K–8
Amphibians
50 minutes
Frogs and other amphibians need water to start their life. We will use live animals and a variety of props to discuss the characteristics and life cycle of amphibians. Contact us to discuss adding a pond exploration opportunity. Pond exploration requests are dependent on group size, and staff availability.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.ESS3.A.1, K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS3.A.1, 1.PS4.C.1, 3.LS1.B.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.D.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1
Mammals
50 minutes
Mammals live in many different habitats, including the air, water, and underground. We will use props, mounts, and demonstrations to help students learn what adaptations allow mammals to be successful.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.ESS2.E.1, K.LS1.C.1, 1.PS4.C.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.D.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1
Owls
50 minutes
These elusive nocturnal creatures are fascinating predators. We will use props and demonstrations to help students discover the adaptations that allow owls to succeed.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.D.1, 5.ESS3.C.1, 6-8.LS1.B.1
Predators
50 minutes
Predators aren’t mean or vicious—they’re just trying to survive. Students will be introduced to common adaptations of predators through props, demonstrations, and a live animal.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.LS1.C.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 6-8.LS2.A.1
Reptiles
50 minutes
We will use live animals, props, and demonstrations to help students discover what characteristics make reptiles different from other animals and each other.
Missouri Learning Standards: K.ESS3.A.1, K.LS1.C.1, 1.LS1.A.1, 3.LS1.B.1, 4.LS1.A.1, 4.LS1.D.1
Grades 4–12
Outdoor Skills
60 - 120 minutes
Contact us to request a certain skill or discuss which skill might be best for your students. Options may include archery, fishing, bird/plant/tree identification, or shelter building. Outdoor skills requests are dependent on student ages, group size, and staff availability. This program is presented at Runge only.
Site Visits: We Come to You
A naturalist can bring any of the in-person programs listed to your site with the exception of four programs: Outdoor Skills, Sensory Exploration, Sensory Safari, and Terrific Trees.