nature

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. 

Badgers digging in the prairies, otters playing in the rivers, minks hunting in the lowlands - what do they all have in common? Kids will learn how these interesting predators are related and are all considered members of the weasel family. 

9:30 to 11 a.m. 

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

Explore the wonderful insects that fly at night at The Butterfly House during this special event to celebrate National Moth Week. Entomologists will set up black lights, which will attract night-flying insects from miles away. This one-of-a-kind experience will give you a chance to closely observe rarely seen nocturnal insects that come to the light. Sightings may include large moths, beetles, crickets and other fascinating insects. 

Discover the amazing world of plants with your preschooler during the Garden Buds Summer Saturdays series at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

Discover the amazing world of plants with your preschooler during the Garden Buds Summer Saturdays series at the Missouri Botanical Garden. These fun, hands-on classes are for children ages 4 to 6 with a parent. 

Discover the amazing world of plants with your preschooler during the Garden Buds Summer Saturdays series at the Missouri Botanical Garden. These fun, hands-on classes are for children ages 4 to 6 with a parent. 

During this class, kids will discover why birds find the Garden such a wonderful place to live, then make a bird feeder to take home and help attract birds to their own yard.