Kirkwood family events

Herps walk, crawl, jump, slither and creep. But what are herps? Students will become junior herpetologists as they explore characteristics, adaptations, and unique facts through fun, interactive activities. They'll also meet some herps up close indoors and then go outdoors to search for them in their native habitats.

From almost zero to half a million! The road to recovery for Missouri turkeys was a long and tough journey. Walk in the woods today and see turkey tracks or scat, but it wasn’t always that way. Celebrate the return of the wild turkey with stories, games, activities, and crafts to learn about these interesting and unique birds.

Then go outside and look for turkeys or their signs. 9:30 to 11 a.m. For ages 6 and up.

Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.

Who hoots this time of year? Kids and teens ages 7 to 14 will learn about Missouri's owls, learn to hoot like an owl and dissect owl pellets in this joint program sponsored by the St. Louis Jr. Audubon Society and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

10 a.m. Free. 

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.

Tracks in the snow, hair on a fence, loud cries in the night. Could it be a mountain lion? The mountain lion and other large carnivores once served as nature's check on deer and other prey species. Today, humans control the deer herd, so the natural role of this big cat is gone. There aren't many animals that receive more interest in Missouri than mountain lions. 

Who's in the forest this time of year? Some Missouri owls stick around all year and are especially vocal during the winter months. Get together to discuss some of the owl's amazing adaptations, dissect some pellets to see what they're eating and take a hike to hear what they're saying. Dress for the weather.

Free. For ages 7 and up. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.