Missouri Department of Conservation

View eagles as they soar over the Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers at the Eagle Days/Winter Wonders event at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Learn what brings these magnificent birds here and how they stay warm.

Scopes will be set up to zoom in on these phenomenal fliers and there will be a warming tent and short walks. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are needed. Free. 

More information: mdc.org 

The Eagle Days Festival is a unique opportunity for families to watch eagles fishing, riding ice floes, soaring overhead and roosting in nearby trees.

Why are some squirrels gray? What do they eat? How do they climb trees? Preschoolers (ages 3 to 6), will learn about squirrels, through listening to stories, playing games and making a craft. Then, they'll go on an outdoor acorn hunt.

9:30 to 11 a.m. At Rockwoods Reservation. For reservations, call 636-458-2236.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

Butterflies are beautiful creatures with many unique characteristics. Learn the life history of butterflies and identification techniques for common species found throughout Missouri. You'll also learn how to attract these pollinators to your own backyard. For ages 10 and up.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Reservations are requested.

More information: mdc.mo.gov  

Beavers are always busy, it seems. They are very industrious and seem to never stop cutting down trees and building all kinds of neat stuff. Beavers are by far the largest rodents in North America, and a main reason that St. Louis was established here 250 years ago.

Kids ages 6-12 can learn more about the beaver, conservation efforts for them and why they are thriving in Missouri.

9:30-11 a.m. Free, but reservations are required.

At August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. 

Bring your little ones to Rockwoods Reservation to explore the underground world of earthworms. Be prepared to get messy, because they'll dig in the soil and touch living worms!

11 a.m. to noon. Free, but reservations are required.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

This is a good time of year to celebrate furry little animal babies. Aren’t they cute? They wake up, dash around, leap and jump, play hard with each other, and then cuddle up and fall asleep again. While their parents feed, protect and teach them, the babies are learning about the world around them.

Bring your kids, age 3 and up, to celebrate animal babies, and make a furry little animal to take home.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.