Nature centers are organizations designed to educate people about nature and environment.
Compared to state parks they have only few acres of land. Nature centers can be seen through
out in all states of USA. Most nature centers have a visitor center or interpretive center to help the visitors .
Runge Nature and conservation center is one among the 32 nature centers in Missouri. This center is
located in the heart of Jefferson city, the capital of "show me state" (Missouri).
It provides awareness about the nature and wildlife of Missouri.
The visitor center has a well designed museum with a cool display of wild life , which attract people
of all ages .Facilities at the center include a small auditorium, library, reading room and a small
theatre which plays nature movies .
At the entrance of this informative and fun filled nature center, there is a giant sculpture of a
captivating and whimsical frog sitting on a lotus leaf. Runge also attracts the kids with its nature
related displays, reptiles, live snakes and the 2400 gallon fish aquarium with indigenous fishes.
They also have a good collection of stuffed specimens of rabbit, squirrels, birds and other native
animals . Several bird feeders are placed at the outdoor viewing area, which overlook the woods at
conservation center .A big horizontal tree slice with clear growth rings is also displayed here.
This 100-acre area in Jefferson City also features special events, trails, demonstrations, and diverse
natural habitats. This is a great place to visit and explore the nature in close proximity .
With beautiful woods and well marked natural trails the center provide visitors hands-on
opportunities to understand and appreciate the natural resources. From the five paved hiking
trails, you can chose the best depending on your time.
The trails have plenty of benches to rest along the way. Deer's , squirrels ,frog, butterflies and wild
birds like great blue herons, red cardinals and turkeys can came across your path at any time.
Runge is also home to White tailed North American deer buck (male), does (female)
and fawn( young ones) . The name Buck came from the American Frontier when the skin
of a Male Deer was worth one dollar or buck. Antlers ( extension of skull) are the fastest growing
tissue on earth and deer's are the only animal with antlers on earth.
Aromatic wild violet flowers seen at Runge conservation center is a heart shaped purple flower
used in cooking as well as in medicine for thousands of years. They are planted in garden in a
Falls Aster with a blue tint and narrow leaves, also known as white dolls daisy is seen abundant at
The fluorescent flower clusters of North American red bud cauliflory trees ,comes directly out of
The Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City annually conduct native plant sale with the
idea of landscaping with native plant species. The idea behind this is to provide an urban habitat for
a diversity of wildlife. Many varieties of wild plants, flowers and trees can be seen along the trails .
idea of landscaping with native plant species. The idea behind this is to provide an urban habitat for
a diversity of wildlife. Many varieties of wild plants, flowers and trees can be seen along the trails .
and fawn( young ones) . The name Buck came from the American Frontier when the skin
of a Male Deer was worth one dollar or buck. Antlers ( extension of skull) are the fastest growing
tissue on earth and deer's are the only animal with antlers on earth.
Eastern Tent caterpillar or Army caterpillar is a blue and yellow spotted caterpillars which are the
larvae of snout moth. This social species form communal nest on the branches of trees . Many of
their nests can be seen along the trails. This caterpillar is said to be toxic to horses.
used in cooking as well as in medicine for thousands of years. They are planted in garden in a
controlled way. They are also considered as weed because of their waxy leaves , extensive root
system and resistance to weed killers.Falls Aster with a blue tint and narrow leaves, also known as white dolls daisy is seen abundant at
the center. This attractive wild flower, native to US and Canada, is found on moist, sandy flood plains
and prairie wetlands.
and prairie wetlands.
The fluorescent flower clusters of North American red bud cauliflory trees ,comes directly out of
tree trunk. This is a beautiful sight at the nature center during spring .Cauliflory is a term used to
describe the production of flowers on the trunk and branches of woody plants.
Fall foliage makes autumn the most vibrant time of a year. It turns oak leaves to red or brown,
hickory to bronze, aspen to gold , dog wood leaves to mix of purple and red, red maple leaves to
scarlet, sugar maple to orange red and black maple to bright yellow. Sunset add a colorful
splendor to the trees and surrounding areas during the fall.
Historical fire tower is a proud symbol of forest conservation in United States. It gives housing and
protection to the employee who search and protect the area from wildfire and wilderness Fire towers
now have a backseat to new technology. From the fire observation tower at the conservation center
one could enjoy the panoramic view of the region.
There are many events and programs going on at the center for children of all ages as well as adults.
Free brochures along with bi-monthly newsletter Habitat Happenings about the happening and
activities at Runge Conservation center can be collected from the main building.
Historical fire tower is a proud symbol of forest conservation in United States. It gives housing and
protection to the employee who search and protect the area from wildfire and wilderness Fire towers
now have a backseat to new technology. From the fire observation tower at the conservation center
one could enjoy the panoramic view of the region.
There are many events and programs going on at the center for children of all ages as well as adults.
Free brochures along with bi-monthly newsletter Habitat Happenings about the happening and
activities at Runge Conservation center can be collected from the main building.
Note: Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Note: Cameras Used :-Canon Power shot A490, Canon Power Shot SD 400
Location: Missouri 179
Jefferson City, MO 65109.
573 526 5544
Jefferson City, MO 65109.
573 526 5544
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