Adult and Family Programs

There are many exciting opportunities for adults and

families offered at Shaw Nature Reserve throughout

the year as well as at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Depending on the season these classes may cover:

  • nature photography
  • geocaching
  • gardening with native Missouri plants
  • basketmaking and other nature crafts
  • family overnights
  • night hikes

Class Schedule

Class offerings vary each year.  To view a current list of classes and to register online, click here.

Adult programs

Our adult education programs are designed to increase people’s interest in ecology, native plants, biodiversity, environmental education, and natural history, and to encourage a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors.  

Family programs

There are an endless number of fun things for families to enjoy together at the Reserve.  From tapping maple trees or netting critters at the pond to exploring our 12 miles of trails – there is something for everyone. Check out our family classes, family overnights, the pre-school Little Acorns program (formerly Garden Buds) and self-guided activities. 

GPS Adventures at Shaw

Download a brochure with GPS coordinates for our geocaches and GPS-based hiking opportunities

 

Little Acorns (formerly Garden Buds) at Shaw Nature Reserve

Explore the beauty and natural wonders of Shaw Nature Reserve with your preschooler!  Designed for three- to five-year- olds accompanied by an adult, these monthly activities in the spring and fall address early childhood curiosities about the natural world. 

Each 2 1/2-hour class will include hands-on

activities, a story, snack and a craft. 

Classes are $18 ($16 for Garden members).  Cost includes child and adult. 

Class themes for Spring 2010:

Seeds  - Tuesday, March 2nd

Earthworms - Tuesday, April 6th   

Babies at SNR - Tuesday, May 4th

 

Family Self-Guided Activities

Our goal is to help families learn together, share in the joy of natural outdoor experiences, and discover the interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things.  Use one of the following activity guides or kits to enhance your family's experience at Shaw Nature Reserve.
 

“A Children’s Guide to Nature at Shaw Nature Reserve”- this activity uses the five senses to help young children discover the wonders of nature.

$.50/pamphlet

“Treasures of Nature Map” – this scavenger hunt is designed to be used on Wolf Run Trail (1 mile) and uses the five senses to focus on nature. Children can color the  map when they get home!

$1.00

"Wetland Trail Guide”- This trail guide focuses on the wetland complex of the Reserve and is to be used along the one-mile Wetland Trail loop. This informative trail guide includes activities for children to do along the walk.

$2.00

“Little Acorn Trail” - Take your young learners on an exciting adventure along this easy self-guided trail.  Pick up a key and backpack at the Visitor Center containing everything you’ll need as you unlock the activity boxes along your hike. You’ll learn about camouflage as you look for the “magic bunnies” or discover how soil is made. Discover lots of hands-on activities about birds, plants, animal tracks, weather and much more.  There is no starting point, no order in which the activity boxes must be found and no minimum number of stations you  must complete. Just start on any one of the three segments and complete as many activities as you want.

$3.00 Reservations required

"Self Guided Interpretive Trail" - This winding forest trail is easily implemented by teachers with a class of up to 30 students.  Upon arrival to the Reserve, the leader will pick up a pack at the Visitor Center that contains everything that is needed to facilitate this program.  Using hands-on activities, the trail focuses on developing an understanding and appreciation for the Earth and its life.  Students investigate a decomposing log, observe small natural objects under magnifying lenses, discover how seeds are dispersed, and try to make their own soil.

Concepts covered: Communities, seed dispersal, soil formation, plant growth, decomposition, and invasive species.

Reservations required

Grades: 1-8 (Highly recommended for scout groups)

March-November

Limit: 30 students

Fee: $ .50 per student

 

Geocaching at SNR

There are 6 geocaches hidden on the property.  If you have a GPS unit you can participate in this fun new sport.  Cache descriptions

 

 

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