Events

Do you have a love of nature and want to share it with others? If so, Burr Oak Woods is looking for you! Approved applicants will be invited to a volunteer training course beginning with an open house on March 16th. There will then be three evening training classes that will help prepare you to assist with many different opportunities at Burr Oak Woods including interpretive programs, special events, outdoor skills, animal care, native landscaping and more. We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 training class for adults and youth ages 14 and up.

To apply contact Stephanie Kemp at stephanie.kemp@mdc.mo.gov.

Look for book pages posted along Runge’s Naturescape trail and enjoy a seasonal children’s book as you walk and explore. Book begins at the trailhead across from the parking lot. No registration required. All ages.

Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the nature center’s amphibians, fish, and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. The snakes are fed on the second and fourth Wednesday (February 11 & 25).

Come check out this month's artist spotlight, Patricia Littlefield, in our lobby. Patricia is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau and her passion for nature shines through in her display. She primarily works with graphite and colored pencils to create breathtaking drawings of Missouri's finest creatures. Artwork will remain up through the end of March.

Our ancestors utilized many parts of deer they harvested. Many products such as candles, skin moisturizing heel balms, soaps, fire starters, etc. can be made from deer fat (tallow). Come learn how to convert deer fat into a soothing heel balm and candles!

At this 1-hour virtual workshop, we will demonstrate techniques on how to render deer fat and create products. A handout with recipes and directions for heel balm, body butter, candles, and fire starters will be emailed to attendees after the program.

Not every creature gets the love it deserves – but many of nature’s most misunderstood animals are also some of the most important! Join us for a virtual program that shines the spotlight on wildlife that often get overlooked. You’ll discover why they matter and how they keep our ecosystems in balance. Hopefully you will find that a little love can go a long way toward the conservation of these animals. This program is perfect for families, classrooms, and lifelong learners.

Our ancestors utilized many parts of deer they harvested. Many products such as candles, skin moisturizing heel balms, soaps, fire starters, etc. can be made from deer fat (tallow). Come learn how to convert deer fat into a soothing heel balm and candles!

At this 1-hour virtual workshop, we will demonstrate techniques on how to render deer fat and create products. A handout with recipes and directions for heel balm, body butter, candles, and fire starters will be emailed to attendees after the program.

Join us virtually during your lunch break to learn about skunks! We’ll discuss the lives of these smelly critters and how they play an important role in their ecosystem.

A link will be sent the day before program to your email address provided during registration.

Virtual Vises: Fly Tying at Home. Come and tie flies with us as we pick a new theme each month. Each month will have a new MDC tyer from around the state. Get ready to meet some fun fly tying folks!

Tonight will be TJ and Mike, and our theme is "Picking the Right Hook". our book for the night will be the Mustad catalog. We will tie some old favorites on an appropriate hook and an inappropriate hook to show the difference in proportion and how it should swim or be retrieved.

Possible materials for the night might include:

10-14 size hooks of dry, wet, curved, and scud.

dry fly hackle

hen hackle

marabou

polypropylene

dubbing

mallard and/or wood duck flank

chenille medium to ultra

fine wire ribbing

We look forward to seeing you all then. Thank you.

Give your mind and body a feel-good boost of natural endorphins and physical energy by taking a peaceful evening stroll along the Naturescape Trail. The path will be softly lit between the hours of 6-8 pm, hot drinks will be available for you while you stroll or after. When you are finished with your walk, come inside the nature center to warm up and check out the exhibits. No registration required. All ages.