ForestKeeper Workshops
Summer 2026 Opportunities
Upcoming Classes
Nature Printmaking: Wood Cuts
Kansas City, MO 64110
Tree rings are the visible bands of wood that form around a tree’s trunk as it grows. Each ring represents a year’s growth, and all the rings together represent the life story of the tree. Using “tree cookies” (horizontal slices of a tree stump) as printing plates, we will create graphic prints with ink and paper that portray the life history of the tree. We will also demonstrate all the steps for preparing a tree cookie for tree ring printing. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Outdoor Skills: Using Trees to Find Your Way
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 290-5218
Before we had a satellite map on our phones people had to figure out how to navigate in nature. Luckily knowledge of these skills has been passed down and is still effective. Techniques like examining trees for specific features like canopy fullness, branch structure, and root growth can all be used to find information about the world around you without a phone. Orienting yourself and finding a good campsite is just the beginning, join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for this program and a hike around our trails where you can apply what you have learned.
Wild Edibles: Medicinals, Salves, and Soaps
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
1401 NW Park Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64015
(816) 228-3766
This program is part of MDC’s year-long Wild Edible Plants series, with each month highlighting a different plant part or type of wild edible. The series emphasizes conservation, respectful harvesting, and building a meaningful connection to the land. Participants will build confidence in understanding when, where, and how wild plants can be used as a sustainable food source. In this fast-paced world, we go to big box stores to buy everything from medicines to cleansers. Slow down, get back to your roots and imagine if we could create medicinal salves, soaps, and tonics from common backyard plants in your own backyard.
All registrants for this event must be a minimum age of 14 years old by 8/15/2026. Please register EACH person who will be present. We will be both inside and outside, so please dress accordingly.
Little Acorns: Tree Story
Rockwoods Reservation
2751 Glencoe rd
Wildwood, MO 63038
(636) 458-2236
There can be a whole world inside a single tree, from bugs to birds to lichens… come discover it with us! Join us for a storybook reading, craft, and hands-on activities that will show your little one how important trees are from their roots to their leaves.
This program is designed for children ages 2-5, but siblings and family members of all ages are welcome. Please register EACH person who will be present.
Hikes and Events
Hiking: Summer Evening Hike
11715 Cragwold Rd
Kirkwood, MO 63122
(314) 301-1500
Please note: The trail is paved, but can still be rough and is very steep. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes! Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.
Wilderness Kayak Tours of Post Dispatch Lake in Forest Park
6101 Government Dr,
Urban Hike: River Market and Columbus Par
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 759-7300
Grab your walking shoes and get ready for a moderately paced hike through the Columbus Park and River Market neighborhoods. Covering roughly three miles, this hilly hike will utilize sidewalks to explore nature in these older neighborhoods. During the hike we will discuss native and invasive plants, wildlife ID and hiking safety. Registration required (adults). The instructor will e-mail the exact meeting location to the participants the week prior to the hike. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
City Tree Watering and Stewardship
4343 W Florissant Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63147
Join our team in watering 120 trees at O’Fallon planting park with a hose, pump, bucket, and wagon system! With water pumped from O’Fallon lake and the park’s perimeter fire hydrants, you’ll help ensure that newly planted trees receive the 5-10 gallons needed to survive our city’s harsh summer temperatures. Water, snacks, and stretch breaks are built into the workday, but many hands will help to make sure we’re setting trees up for success.
Those using GPS should navigate to parking at E Harris Ave, St Louis, MO 63147 We’ll meet at the boat house and work our way around the lake, watering as we go!
This is a hands on, physically engaging activity that will require walking across uneven surfaces carrying 5-10 lbs of water. The activity takes place outdoors in full sun. Restrooms are available at the neighboring YMCA facility. Email volunteer@Moreleaf.org with any questions!
Bellefontaine Community Conservation Day
Location:
Bellefontaine Cemetery
10699 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63137
Explore the Bellefontaine conservation area through multiple hands-on activities, including guided hikes, bird watching, fishing, pond dip netting, nature journaling, and more. Activities will include outdoor yoga at 10 a.m. (participants should bring their own mats) and a Step and Slide Dance Class at 11 a.m. Visitors will also enjoy family-friendly DJ music and free ice cream
Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP