The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is hosting a variety of nature programs, educational opportunities, and outdoor experiences for all ages in the month of July. See below the July programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
- Framing Conservation by Photographer Jared Watson
- Temporary Exhibit for the month of June 2026
- Aquatics: Native Darter Identification (Virtual Program)
- Thursday, July 9th, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
- What are those fish darting beneath your feet in rivers or creeks? Join us for a virtual program all about Missouri darters. Missouri is home to more than 40 species of darters. Learn what makes these fish unique, where to find them, their conservation status, and how to identify them. All ages. This program is open to all ages but is designed for 6th grade and up. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Cool Creek Chubs
- Friday, July 10th, 10 am – 10:45 am OR 11:15 am – 12 noon
- Dive into the cool world of Missouri’s creek chubs. Learn what makes Missouri’s largest minnow so special, then make a craft to take home! Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.
- Outdoor Preparedness: Making Cordage
- Saturday, July 11th, 10 am – 12 noon
- Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will demonstrate traditional methods for weaving plant fibers into cordage. Ages 8 and up. Registration required.
- Learn to Fish: Fly-Tying for Beginners (Part One)
- Saturday, July 11th, 1 pm – 4 pm
- Learn the basics of fly-tying in this introductory class led by members of the Missouri Trout Fishing Association. Participants will explore materials used to tie flies and the insects they mimic. All tools and materials will be provided. This is a two-part series, and you must register for both. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.
- Native Plants: Summer Sips
- Friday, July 17th, 6 pm – 8 pm
- Looking to beat the heat? Missouri has many amazing plants that can be foraged or grown to make refreshing summer beverages. We’ll gather a few wild plants, prepare them, and make drinks to sample. Learn about native plants while enjoying some delicious refreshments. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have allergies before attending. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Turtle Discovery Table
- Saturday, July 18 – Saturday, July 25, 9 am – 4 pm
- Missouri is home to 18 species of turtles. Stop by this interactive display to learn more about the turtles of our state and pick up a free turtle booklet. All ages.
- Learn to Fish: Fly-Tying for Beginners (Part Two)
- Saturday, July 18th, 1pm – 4 pm
- Build on the skills learned in Part One of Fly-Tying for Beginners. Members of the Missouri Trout Fishing Association will lead the class. All tools and materials will be provided. This is a two-part series, and you must register for both. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.
- Birds: Hummingbirds of Summer
- Saturday, July 18th, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
- Here is your chance to see a ruby-throated hummingbird up close! Join master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver to learn more about this winged jewel while attempting to capture some birds for banding. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Slimy Scaly Bingo
- Wednesday, July 22nd, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
- Play bingo, win prizes, and learn more about Missouri’s amazing amphibians and reptiles! All ages. Registration required.
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Snakes of Missouri
- Thursday, July 23rd, 2 pm – 3 pm
- Hisssssssss. Slither on in to learn more about Missouri snakes. With more than 40 species in the state, we can’t cover them all in this hour-long program, but we discuss several common species and answer questions about these fascinating but often misunderstood reptiles. All ages. Registration required.
- Conservation Kids: Turtle Time
- Thursday, July 23rd, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
- Snapping, softshell, red-eared, box, map, and more! Missouri is home to many different kinds of turtles. Explore these shelled wonders with a short program followed by hands-on activities. Conservation Kids is designed for children ages 7 to 12 and their adult caregivers. Other aged siblings can attend and work together with the family as a group. Ages 7 to 12. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Let’s Go Camping
- Friday, July 24th, 10 am – 10:45 am OR 11:15 am – 12 noon
- Have you ever been camping? Spending the night outdoors can be a fun adventure! Explore camping equipment, enjoy pretend camping activities, and decorate a special camping journal to take on your next trip. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.
- Little Acorns: Let’s Go Camping
- Saturday, July 25th, 10 am – 10:45 am
- Have you ever been camping? Spending the night outdoors can be a fun adventure! Explore camping equipment, enjoy pretend camping activities, and decorate a special camping journal to take on your next trip. Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.
- Conservation Teens: Snorkeling
- Wednesday, July 29th, 10 am – 5 pm
- Beat the heat and experience a fish-eye view of an Ozark creek. Transportation, snorkels, masks, and drinking water will be provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle. Ages 12 to 17. Registration required.
- Learn to Fish: Family Fishing
- Thursday, July 30th, 7 pm – 8 pm
- Bring the family for a summer evening of fishing fun. We will provide instruction, fishing rods, reels, and bait—you catch the fish! Meet at Freedom Park, located at 6176 Hwy VV in Rogersville at 7 pm. Ages 5 and up. Registration required.
- Mammals: Mammals of the Water’s Edge (Virtual Program)
- Friday, July 31st, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Love floating Missouri’s rivers and streams? Meet the mammals that call them home! Learn about otters, beavers, muskrats, and other semi-aquatic mammals, while discovering what’s happening above and below the surface as you drift by. All ages. 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.