Events

A cool, clear Missouri stream or creek is a great place to spend a warm summer day. Each stream is full of life; some can be seen swimming by while others stay hidden. Join us as we dive below the water’s surface and discover what aquatic creatures are hidden in our creeks and what role they play. Meet us at the pavilion next to Shoal Creek and a short drive down the hill from the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. This is a partnership event between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Wildcat Glades Nature Group, and Joplin Parks and Recreation. Registration is required with Wildcat Glade Nature Group.

Cyclists now have more places to ride on Missouri’s conservation lands. Bicycles and some electric bicycles (e-bikes) are now allowed on roads open to public vehicles, multi-use bike trails, and most service roads. In this program, we will discuss the rules and regulations and some areas where you can ride your bicycle.

Kids will have the opportunity to catch and release fish from our education pond at Walter Woods Conservation Area. Awards and prizes will be given away at the Shoal Creek Water Festival following the derby. All equipment, tackle, and bait will be provided but, you may bring your own. Fishing slots are limited, so please register each kid separately. All 15 years old and younger, must be accompanied by an adult mentor.

Kids will have the opportunity to catch and release fish from our education pond at Walter Woods Conservation Area. Awards and prizes will be given away at the Shoal Creek Water Festival following the derby. All equipment, tackle, and bait will be provided but, you may bring your own. Fishing slots are limited, so please register each kid separately. All 15 years old and younger, must be accompanied by an adult mentor.

Join us at the Newton County Library in Neosho to learn the essential knots for outdoor activities and how to tie them. This will be a hands-on experience.

Join us at the Newton County Library in Seneca to learn the essential knots for outdoor activities and how to tie them. This will be a hands-on experience.

Discover the basics of archery shooting. We will cover bow nomenclature and shooting techniques before we go shoot on the static archery range. You may bring your own bow to the program or use ours.

You have learned the basics of shooting a shotgun, now what? This class will show you the games of Trap, Skeet, and 5-Stand Sporting Clays, all of which are known as Shotgun Shooting Sports. Each game has it own unique traits that make them enjoyable. We will talk about how to mount the gun, hold points, the flight of the birds, break points, forward allowance, plus various other mechanics. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided. We will teach and practice the basics, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

A great day for the whole family to enjoy! Kids ages 15 and under will be able to fish in an adult free zone during the whole day. There will also be free outdoor activities, educational activities, and much more for the families to enjoy! For more information contact Roaring River hatchery staff. 471-847-2430.