Missouri Department of Conservation events

Birds are starting to make their way back from their winter homes, so it's time to celebrate birds by learning about their special traits. Kids can learn what makes a bird a bird, make some binoculars and go outside to spot birds in the wild.

For ages 3 to 6.

10 to 11 a.m. at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood. More information: mdc.mo.gov

Looking at a skeleton can give you a key to what the animal is and how it lived. Did it swim, fly, walk or slither? What did it eat? At this nature workshop, kids will take a mystery mammal skull through a special question and answer maze and "key it out" to find out what animal it is.

For ages 7 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

Step into the nocturnal world of owls at the Owl Prowl at Powder Valley. Discover what owls eat and the unique adaptations that owls possess for life at night.

You'll also learn about the different species of owls that frequent Missouri and what makes them special. Explore the night forest as you search for these amazing creatures during an evening of owling. Please dress for the weather.

Free. For families with kids ages 7 and up. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Enjoy an eveing of fishing at Lake 15 in this program designed for children ages 7 to 17 with special needs. Volunteers and staff will be available to lend a helping hand to beginner anglers. Fishing equipment will be provided for participating children. 

The lake has a concrete walkway and dock accessible by people with mobility issues. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. 

4:30 to 7:30 at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

Kids ages 6 and up can learn more about the interesting lives of these eight-legged hunters. If possible, this program will include a spider hike, so please dress for the weather.

If you walk near woods or trees, the mammals you are most likely to see are squirrels. They are fun to watch as they run and jump and play, flick their bushy tails, chase each other up trees, bury acorns in the fall and dig them up again to eat in winter. But in spite of the playfulness that makes squirrels fun to watch, they face the same challenges in their lives as any other kind of wildlife. Learn more about these lively little mammals as we celebrate their lives with activities and crafts.

Girls ages 14 to 18 can bring out their inner Katniss and learn some of the archery skills this character used in the popular book series and movie The Hunger Games. Participants will rotate between three activities throughout the day: archery, fire/water/shelter skills and camouflage.

Participants should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack.