Events

Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike of the North Loop of Wilderness Trail at Meramec State Park (Franklin, Crawford, and Washington Counties); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. 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+

Celebrate National Pollinator Week by assisting with bumble bee surveys along the Runge Nature Center trails and learn about the Missouri Bumble Bee ATLAS, a citizen science project. Participants will capture bumble bees by net, learn how to safely handle them during the survey, and then gather the data needed for the ATLAS prior to releasing the bees. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. All equipment for the survey will be provided. Registration required. Ages 10+

Get up close and personal as we explore macro photography. Whether you are using a specialty camera or a cell phone, macro photography is a great way to observe and capture images of small subjects such as flowers and insects. After learning more about macro photography, we will head outside to see what types of images we can capture. Macro photography lens kits for cell phones will be available for participants to borrow. Registration required. Ages 7+

Missouri is a special state, boasting several interesting and unique natural communities. Join a naturalist for a virtual tour through these various ecoregions to learn what makes them different and how these natural communities have influenced the culture of our state. Participants will also receive information on locations across the state they can visit to see these interesting natural communities. The presenter will send a link to participants by e-mail the day before and the morning of the program.

Registration required. All ages

Someone has been visiting Runge at night! Help solve the mystery of our secret visitor by using clues they left behind. Find the animal culprit and earn your Nature Detective badge! Registration required. Ages 0-2

Join us for some unstructured free play at Runge. Build a shelter, study creepy crawlies, climb trees, and get dirty. Free play in nature allows children to test their physical limits, engage their senses, practice emotional regulation, and is an important part of healthy psychological and physical development. This program is ideal for children whose younger sibling is attending the Little Acorns program offered at the same time. No registration required. Ages 7-12

Someone has been visiting Runge at night! Help solve the mystery of our secret visitor by using clues they left behind. Find the animal culprit and earn your Nature Detective badge! Registration required. At least one child in the 0-2 range AND at least one child in the 3-6 range.

Bumble bees are one of the most recognizable groups of insects in Missouri. Discover the importance of, and how to conserve these amazing insects. Learn what it takes to identify some of the common species before we venture outside to try and observe bumble bees at Runge. Registration required. Ages 7-12

Someone has been visiting Runge at night! Help solve the mystery of our secret visitor by using clues they left behind. Find the animal culprit and earn your Nature Detective badge! Registration required. Ages 3-6

Bats are amazing Missouri animals, but they are misunderstood. Join us virtually in learning all about these incredible animals and why they are so beneficial to us! Registration required. All ages invited, however, material covered is geared for adults. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. Presenter will email the program link to participants both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages