Category Archives: Local Events

Pilger, NE. Photo courtesy of Greg Johnson

The National Weather Service reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025; Missouri’s Statewide Tornado Drill is set for March 4

Joplin, MO. Photo courtesy of Greg Johnson.

The National Weather Service reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025, making it the deadliest year for tornadoes in the state since at least 158 people were killed in the Joplin EF-5 tornado in 2011. NWS also reports three flooding deaths last year and one death because of a severe thunderstorm. Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 2-6, 2026, and the Statewide Tornado Drill on March 4, were created to call attention to the dangers of severe storms and to help Missourians prepare.

“Missouri had five federal major disasters in 2025 – more than any other state last year – which, along with the fatalities and injuries, sends a clarion call for the need to be prepared for all forms of severe weather,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said. “We strongly encourage all Missourians to take these threats seriously and make sure every member of their household knows how to prepare and is ready to take protective action.”

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Pictured: Don Corrigan

by Don Corrigan

Nothing can beat a spontaneous, impromptu visit to our Missouri Botanical Garden (MoBot) in St. Louis. On a cold day in February, nothing could be more warming and delightful than a visit to MoBot’s Climatron or to the Orchid Show that runs through March 1.

The Orchid Show provides an escape to a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of colorful blooming orchids. They can be seen in the Emerson Conservatory that is transformed for this once-a-year display of selections from the Garden’s historic orchid collection.

On my visit, there were a surprising number of couples pushing baby carriers. The newborns, most less than 6 months old, were as fresh as the orchids – and their eyes seemed to bloom in amazement at the colorful flowers surrounding them.

For most of the year, the permanent orchid collection lives in greenhouses. They are cared for by horticulture staff. The annual Orchid Show provides a once-a-year opportunity to see literally hundreds of these blooming plants on public display.

According to Garden staff, the vast orchid collection includes more than 5,000 individual plants representing nearly 700 unique kinds of orchids.  Horticulture experts note that different species bloom at different times.

The MoBot orchid display is constantly changing as new orchids come into bloom and are brought out for exhibiting. A sad fact is that nearly one in 10 orchids in the collection is threatened or endangered.

While viewing the Orchid Show, it’s possible to enjoy the new, permanent living collections that surround the orchids. These plantings include species from Mediterranean climates around the world, such as California, South Africa, Western Australia, Chile, and the Mediterranean itself.

Come out from the cold and enjoy the sights – and fragrant smells – of the Orchid Show. And the time to make a spontaneous visit is running out. The Orchid Show ends on March 1. Find a good day for a visit and mark it on your calendar.

Photo: MDC

As America marks its 250th anniversary, there’s no better time to honor the nation’s most iconic symbol of strength and freedom—the bald eagle. In 1782, the Second Continental Congress chose the bald eagle to appear on the Great Seal of the United States. To celebrate, Missouri’s resident and visiting eagles are putting on a show this winter. The Mississippi River offers some of the best bald eagle viewing in the country.

St. Louis metro area’s premier celebration of bald eagles, the annual Eagle Days Festival, returns for 2026 to the Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton.  The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  This popular annual festival offers the chance for all ages to discover a close connection with the bald eagle.  No reservations are required.

Participants can see eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers at viewing stations along the river.  The World Bird Sanctuary will present live “All about Eagles” programs throughout the day.  Visitors can see live eagles up close as they learn the fascinating story of these amazing raptors.

The whole family can warm up by the fire and enjoy s’mores.  An annual visitor favorite is hopping inside the life-size bald eagle nest replica for one-of-a-kind selfies or posing as an eagle at the giant eagle wingspan banner.  Kids can stay engaged with fun indoor craft stations.  Partner organizations will feature staffed, interactive educational tables, and barbeque for sale on site.

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by Don Corrigan

The environmental group, Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) was last in St. Louis in 1996 when it held its 6th Annual Conference at Washington University. The conference included field trips to sites where lead, radiation and dioxin were being addressed.

There was much to learn about hazardous waste contamination in the St. Louis area, and there still is a lot to learn in the Gateway City. However, the 2026 SEJ Conference will be in Chicago and focus on Great Lakes issues.

Thirty years after the Gateway City event, SEJ Is now looking for new environmental communication members and for new program ideas for its Chicago conference.

SEJ membership is open to journalists, public information professionals, professors, students and staff at accredited colleges and universities. New members are welcome and the SEJ benefits for environmental writers are many.

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Photo: MDC

Eagle lovers of all ages are invited to the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton on February 7, 2026. No advance registration is required.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:00 am – Saturday, February 7, 2026 2:00 pm
Location: Audubon Center at Riverlands

Visitors are welcome to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers, and explore activities related to bald eagles. The World Bird Sanctuary will be providing live Bald Eagle programs and chances to see Bald Eagles up close throughout the day.

Eagle presentations will be held at: 9:15 AM; 10:00 AM; 10:45 AM; 11:30 AM; 12:30 PM; and 1:15 PM. These eagle presentations have a capacity of 150 people and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Did you know the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles? They are drawn to areas of open water in search of fish, their preferred food. The colder the weather, the better the chances of seeing them fish, ride ice floes, soar overhead and roost in nearby trees!

More information, CLICK HERE.

Loess Bluffs. Photo: MDC

Bald eagles migrate southward on the chilly winds of early winter. Dozens or even hundreds typically congregate at the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City where they can feed on fish and waterfowl. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host the 46th annual Eagle Days at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. The World Bird Sanctuary staff will present live eagle shows each hour in a building at the refuge headquarters. Those eagles have been rehabilitated from injuries but will not be able to be released back into the wild.

There will also be interpretive stops along a driving tour of the refuge wetlands. Spotting scopes will be set up at key points along the tour route for visitors to spot wildlife far out on the marshes. Friends of Loess Bluffs and other conservation partners will have outreach tables on display inside the visitor center.

Besides eagles, visitors will be able to see wildlife at wetland pools such as trumpeter swans, geese, ducks, and shore birds. MDC staff, Missouri Master Naturalists, and Loess Bluffs staff will be welcoming visitors and interpreting nature exhibits.

The number of waterfowl and eagles at Loess Bluffs varies with weather being a major factor. Often though, Eagle Days has plentiful wildlife for viewing. Visitors will find cameras and binoculars useful.

For current bird survey numbers and event information about Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zt2.

To learn more about eagles and other Eagle Days events in Missouri, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days.

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Missouri near Mound City. Take Interstate 29 to Exit 79 south of Mound City then travel south 2 ½ miles on U.S. Highway 159.

Historic Bevo Mill Restaurant in St. Louis, MO. Photo: MDC

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is bringing a night of nature fun and trivia to one of St. Louis’ most iconic landmark venues.

Join MDC at the historic Das Bevo, popularly known as the Bevo Mill, for a Nature Trivia Night Friday, Nov. 21 from 7 – 9 p.m. and put your nature knowledge to the test.  The event is free to attend and open to anyone age 21 and up.

If you’ve been to a trivia night event before, you know how much fun they can be.  Questions will cover multiple topics, all with a nature twist. Attendees can assemble teams of up to six members per team.  Each member must register individually.

Forming a team in advance is not required and the event is open to individuals, too.  MDC hosts can help find a team to join for anyone going solo.

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Participants will discover the rewards of fully immersing themselves in nature at this free, guided hike event. Photo: MDC

The secrets to relieving stress, unlocking creativity, and improving the health of mind and body might be just few steps into the nearest forest.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, then a little self-care time in nature might be the perfect prescription.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting a Benefits of Nature Hike Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. – noon at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake.  The goal of the program is to discover the rewards of a totally immersive, multi-sensory experience in nature.  It’s free and open to ages 18 years and up.

Join MDC to learn how the beauty and wonder of nature can recalibrate and restore you. Time in nature has been proven to bolster physical, mental and emotional health.  MDC naturalists will share techniques that will deeply connect your senses and mind to your surroundings.  Participants will take a slow-paced, guided walk ending beside the Mississippi River as they awaken their senses to the great outdoors.

Participants should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and bring bug spray.  A towel or pad to sit on is also recommended.  Attendees may also bring a sack lunch and chair to socialize after the program.

Participants should meet at Parking Lot O, which can be reached from the Columbia Bottom entrance by following the program signs for 3 miles.  Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at

The Benefits of Nature Hike is a free program; however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/o4h.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at 801 Strodtman Road in north St. Louis County.  The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.

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.

MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.