The Missouri Department of Conservation's Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City will reopen July 7 with public health precautions in place.
Outdoor programs will resume at the nature center this month, as well as virtual offerings, according to a news release.
The nature center has released its program schedule for July online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf. Most programs require registration in advance.
Nature center guests can manage program registration online at mdc.mo.gov/centralevents.
To protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at the nature center, total building occupancy will be limited to 50 people at any time, MDC officials said. During busy times, some visitors may need to wait outside until other guests exit the building. Visitors will need to use enter- and exit-only doors and should bring their own drinking water, as drinking fountains will be out of service. Most public programs will take place virtually or outdoors. In any setting, guests must practice physical distancing and frequent hand-washing.
The nature center, located on Commerce Drive, is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays. Trails at the nature center are open from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. every day. The nature center will be closed this Friday and Saturday for Independence Day, though trails will remain open.
July programs at Runge Nature Center will include:
Summer Surprises (virtual program), 1-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in July. This is a 30-minute, naturalist-led virtual program for all ages. Registration is required at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf.
Animal Feedings (virtual program), 1-1:30 p.m. on Fridays in July. Runge naturalists will feature different creatures showing how animals at the center eat their food. Registration is required at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPf.
Exploring the Flora Factory (virtual program), 1-1:45 p.m. July 16. This program for ages 7-12 will feature the processes that help plants thrive so we can survive and conduct at-home experiments to demonstrate the inner workings of the flora factory. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173628.
Night Hike @ Runge (outdoor program), 9-10:30 p.m. July 17. This program for ages 6 and above will explore how animals use adaptations to survive and thrive in the darkness. Embark on a naturalist-led hike to explore our night senses and learn more about nocturnal mysteries on the Runge trails. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173627.
Kayaking @ Binder Lake (outdoor program), 6-8 p.m. July 23. Participants ages 10 and above will learn about paddling and all the basics to get water-ready. MDC will provide all equipment. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173626.
The Hikers @ Prairie Garden Trust (outdoor program), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 25. Participants ages 18 and above will travel to Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield to hike some of the shorter trails on the area. Bring lunch, water and insect repellent, and dress for the weather. Registration is required at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173629.
For more information about events at Runge Nature Center, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-nature-center or call the center at 573-526-5544.