ForestKeeper Workshops

Winter 2024 Opportunities

Upcoming MDC Classes

Registration period: November 7 – December 11
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 8:00 am – Thursday, December 12, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Join Community Forester Chuck Conner as he teaches how to identify trees when they’re “naked”. Participants in this workshop will learn the basics of tree identification including leaf shapes, arrangements, buds, twig, fruit, bark, form, position in the landscape, and other characteristics used to identify trees. Students will learn how to use reference books and keys to help identify trees in both a classroom setting and in the field. Special emphasis will be given to the identification of native deciduous trees in their “leaf-off” or dormant condition using species specific characteristics and keys. Please wear clothing appropriate for going outdoors for approximately one hour. Workshop is free, but a Missouri winter tree key needs to be purchased
 
 
Registration period: November 4 – December 14
Date: 
Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Registration required (ages 12+) Thinking of making the holidays a little greener this season? Then deck the halls with boughs of native trees and plants. Join us for one of the Discovery Center’s favorite holiday traditions. Fashion a festive holiday swag or wreath to hang using native evergreens, prairie grasses, wild nuts, berries, seed pods, game bird feathers and your imagination. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
 
 
Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024 12:00 pm – Thursday, December 19, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Registration required by visiting www.deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon (adults) Winter may seem sleepy, but native shrubs and trees provide crucial habitat and food sources for local songbirds. Take a live look at native plants that support wildlife year-round and how you can plan for winter beauty. This program is in partnership with Deep Roots KC.
 
 
Registration period: November 21 – December 18
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024 10:00 am – Saturday, December 21, 2024 11:30 am
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Winter is a time for trees to enter a resting state called “dormancy”. Without foliage or fruit production, it can be challenging to identify trees and understand what the importance of this stage can mean for Missouri’s forests. This in-person program will explain how to identify trees in colder months as well as the science behind dormancy and other fun facts about Missouri’s trees in winter. Participants will attend an indoor classroom portion of the program before heading outside to observe trees up close.
 
 
Registration period: November 21 – December 18
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024 1:00 pm – Saturday, December 21, 2024 2:00 pm
Location: Online only

Winter is a time for trees to enter a resting state called “dormancy”. Without foliage or fruit production, it can be challenging to identify trees and understand what the importance of this stage can mean for Missouri’s forests. This VIRTUAL program will explain how to identify trees in colder months as well as the science behind dormancy and other fun facts about Missouri’s trees in winter.

Participants will receive a WebEx link prior to the program and can attend from a phone or computer.

Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203146

 

Landowner Workshops

Prescribed Burn Workshops

Locations (Click for registration):

Thursday December 5th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at NCMC Barton Campus

Friday, December 6th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at Pike-Lincoln Technical Center

Saturday, December 7th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at USDA-Macon

Saturday, December 7th, 2024 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Dean Davis Conservation Center

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at USDA-Randolph

Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at MDC Northwest Regional Office

Friday, December 13th, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at La Salle Retreat Center

Saturday December 14th, 9:00 am – 11:00 am at MDC North East Regional Office

Saturday, December 14th, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at Shannon Ranch Conservation Area

Saturday, December 21st, 2024 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

Prescribed burning can be a valuable tool for managing native plant diversity and controlling undesirable vegetation, but it can be dangerous and ineffective when not used properly. This workshop will provide basic information about how to plan and execute a prescribed burn for grassland management.

Upon registration, participants will be emailed a link to the virtual/online portion of the prescribed burn course. The online course is a mandatory prerequisite which requires a $25.00 fee to a third-party host (not MDC). Registrants will need to successfully complete the online course and quiz to attend the field day event. Please bring your certificate of completion and mileage record.

Other Opportunities: Take a Hike!

Registration period: December 1 – December 18
Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 8:00 am – Wednesday, December 18, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike at Painted Rock Conservation Area (Osage County); 3 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. Registration required. Ages 18+