The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is hosting a variety of nature programs, educational opportunities, and outdoor experiences for all ages in the month of April. See below the April programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
- Temporary Exhibit – Wild Imaginings by Jennifer Fannen
- The month of April 2025
- Native Plants: Community Plant Sale
- Saturday, April 5th, 9am – 1pm
- Stop by for your native plant needs during our annual spring plant sale. Missouri native plant vendors will have an amazing selection, and pre-orders are available by contacting vendors directly. Our incredible community partners and Nature Center Staff will be here to answer your plant questions. All ages. No registration required.
- Saturday, April 5th, 9am – 1pm
- Babes in the Woods: Wild Color Walk
- Tuesday, April 8th, 9am – 10am
- Bring baby for a fun day outdoors as we wander a short trail to explore the wild colors in nature. Don’t forget your baby-carrying device or rugged trail-ready stroller. We begin at 9 am but you and baby can leave whenever you need. This program will be canceled if the weather is bad. Ages 0–2. Registration required.
- Tuesday, April 8th, 9am – 10am
- Wildlife: Story Time with Ms. Ladybug
- Wednesday, April 9th, 11am – 11:30am
- Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2–6. No registration required.
- Wednesday, April 9th, 11am – 11:30am
- Outdoor Preparedness: Useful Plant Hike
- Saturday, April 12th, 10am – 12pm
- Plants have always been important to humans for food, medicine, and other purposes. Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will explore the folklore and modern uses of several Missouri plants during a guided hike. Ages 15 and up. Registration required.
- Saturday, April 12th, 10am – 12pm
- Conservation Teens: Building Bluebird Boxes
- Saturday, April 12th, 1pm – 4pm
- Missouri’s state bird needs your help. Provide homes for eastern bluebirds by building a nestbox to place in your yard. We will learn about these beautiful birds and then build and decorate boxes. All materials provided. Ages 12–17. Registration required.
- Birds: The Birds That Audubon Almost Missed
- Thursday, April 17th, 6:15pm – 7:15pm
- In his latest book, “The Birds That Audubon Missed”, bird expert Kenn Kaufman focuses on the species that evaded John James Audubon and his peers. Kaufman explores an era in ornithology that few people may know. Learn more about the book and participate in a Q&A with the author. All ages. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Beautiful Blooms
- Friday, April 18th, 2pm – 3pm
- Ssssee you online to learn about Missouri’s snakes, their importance, common myths, and how to identify them. This program is virtual, a link will be emailed to the account associated with your registration. This program will not be recorded. All ages.
- Little Acorns: Beautiful Blooms
- Saturday, April 19th, 10am – 10:45am
- Spring has sprung and flowers are appearing all around us. We will learn about plants and then plant some seeds! Ages 3–6. Registration required.
- Saturday, April 19th, 10am – 10:45am
- Turkey Hunting: Talking Turkey
- Saturday, April 19th, 2pm – 3:30pm
- Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a curious beginner, come learn the art of turkey calling from hunters who will teach you the techniques, tips, and tricks to successfully mimic the sounds of wild turkeys. Bring your own calls to practice or use some of ours. All ages. Registration required.
- Saturday, April 19th, 2pm – 3:30pm
- Conservation Kids: Wild Babies
- Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm – 7:45pm
- Spring is a very busy time for all kinds of animals. Many of them are raising their next generation, but how do they manage it out there? Learn more about wildlife life cycles during this program. Conservation Kids is designed for children ages 7–12 and their adult caregivers; other family members are welcome. Registration required.
- Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm – 7:45pm
- Wildflowers: Cedar Gap Wildflower Walk
- Saturday, April 26th, 1pm – 5pm
- Join volunteer naturalist Mike Mihalik to explore spring wildflowers at Cedar Gap Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring water, a snack, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. We will hike the 1.6-mile loop trail. Ages 10 and up. Participants 10–17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required.
- Saturday, April 26th, 1pm – 5pm
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Turtles Virtual Program
- Tuesday, April 29th, 6pm – 7pm
- Can all turtles swim? What’s the difference between turtles, terrapins, and tortoises? Join us for a virtual program with Naturalist Morgan Wyatt and get answers to all your turtle questions. Morgan will give a virtual presentation followed by a Q&A session. This program is virtual, a link will be emailed to the account associated with your registration. This program will not be recorded. Ages 8 and up.
- Tuesday, April 29th, 6pm – 7pm
CLICK HERE for more information or to register for any of these programs or call 417-888-4237.
For more information about the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, CLICK HERE.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Conservation, CLICK HERE.