The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is hosting a variety of nature programs, educational opportunities, and outdoor experiences for all ages in the month of January. See below the January programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
- Ozark Streams by Farley Lewis
- Temporary Exhibit for the month of January 2026
- Mammals: The Adaptable Bobcat Virtual Program
- Friday January 2, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- The bobcat is one of the world’s most adaptable wild cats, capable of inhabiting many types of Missouri habitats, including those near urban developments. Find out what makes these fascinating felines so successful at surviving and thriving, even in changing landscapes. All ages. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Wild Weasels
- Friday January 9, 10–10:45 am or 11:15 am – 12 noon
- Weasels are ferocious hunters packed into small furry bodies. Come learn about these wild, wiggly, fun animals. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.
- Mammals: Mammals of Missouri Virtual Program
- Friday January 9, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- From small mice to large elk, Missouri is home to 70 species of mammals. Learn more about these furred animals in this interactive virtual program. We’ll listen to sounds and see pictures to help us better understand the mammals of our state. All ages. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Wild Weasels
- Wednesday January 14, 11 am –11:30 am
- Join Ms. Ladybug as she reads a nature story and shares activities with your child. Ages 2 to 6. No registration required.
- Special Event: Eagle Days
- Saturday, January 17, 9 am – 4 pm
- We’re celebrating the annual return of bald eagles to Lake Springfield. This special event includes live birds of prey from Dickerson Park Zoo. Programs will be held at the Nature Center at 10 am, 11 am, and 12 noon. Opportunities to view bald eagles in the wild, with the assistance of volunteers and spotting scopes, will be available at the Lake Springfield Boathouse from 9 am – 4 pm. All ages. No registration required.
- Hiking: Candlelit Woods Walk
- Friday January 23, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Pick up a hot beverage at the Nature Center, then enjoy a peaceful walk along our Boardwalk Trail which will be softly lit by luminaries. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. All ages. No registration required.
- Conservation Teens: Winter Waterfowl ID
- Saturday January 24th, 9 am – 12 noon
- Explore the fascinating world of Missouri’s wintering waterfowl. We’ll start indoors with an interactive session to learn how to identify ducks, geese, and other waterfowl that spend the winter in Missouri. We’ll cover key features, behaviors, and habitats that make each species unique. Afterwards, let’s bundle up and head into the field to put our new skills to the test, observing and identifying birds at Lake Springfield. Ages 12 to 17. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Mussel Mania
- Tuesday January 27, 10 am – 10:45 am
- Dive into the world of Missouri’s marvelous mussels! Discover how these shell-covered creatures live, grow, and clean our waterways, then make your own mussel-inspired craft to take home. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.
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.