First Day Hike
2024-01-01 09:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
All ages welcome
It’s time to ring in the new year with a morning on the trails! We’re starting this year off with a walk through the Woodland Loop, and a discussion about our park’s natural events. Make sure to bundle up in something warm, grab your gear, put on your good walking shoes, and get ready for a fun morning!
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/1stHike2024 or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Kid's Yoga in Nature
2024-01-13 10:30 - 22:30, 2024-06-08 10:30 - 23:30 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to attend
For ages 4 and up accompanied by an adult
Led by Amanda, a Registered Yoga Teacher, this class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Bring your yoga mat or a towel, and a reusable water bottle. Yoga is very beneficial for children’s health and even better when it can be enjoyed outdoors.
Must pre-register. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/YogainNature2024, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Preschool Connections: The Magic of the Mountains
2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Ages 3-7, sponsored by Calvin Cassady
At this month’s Preschool Connections, we’ll follow the adventures of a young elk and his friends as they meet a kind-hearted boy in “The Magic of the Mountains” by Jacqueline Crivello. After storytime, we’ll sing a rhyme and put together a fun craft that’s sure to peak your interest!
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnectionsJan24 or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Yoga in Nature for Kids
2024-02-10 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-04-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States

Nature Explorers: Tracks & Snacks
2024-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
For Ages 7-14
Who’s hungry for track identification? At this month’s Nature Explorers, we’ll be identifying fresh tracks from around the park! After we’ve identified, we’ll eat some snacks and watch footage of the animals leaving the tracks. You don’t want to miss this one!
Must pre-register. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/TracksandSnacks, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Preschool Connections: Tracks
2024-02-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Ages 3-7, sponsored by Calvin Cassady
Have you ever wondered what animal made the tracks you see in the snow? At this month’s Preschool Connections, we’ll explore the different kinds of tracks found in Wildcat Park and maybe make some of our own. After that, we’ll read a story, sing a song, and make a track-tastic craft that’s sure to leave an impression.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnectionsFeb24, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Stopping the Invasion: Invasive Plant Species in Missouri
2024-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Partnership Program with Ecological Restorationist Dr. Jason Willand
For ages 13 and up
There’s something lurking in your backyard… Invasive species have taken root in Missouri, and it’s time to fight back! Join us as we learn to find, identify, and destroy the invasive species growing all around us with esteemed Ecological Restorationist Dr. Jason Willand at this free, adult program.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/WildcatInvasives or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org

Yoga In Nature for Kids
2024-03-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
For ages 4 and up accompanied by an adult
Led by Amanda, a Registered Yoga Teacher, this class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Bring your yoga mat or a towel, and a reusable water bottle. Yoga is very beneficial for children’s health and even better when it can be enjoyed outdoors.
Must pre-register. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/YogainNature2024, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Preschool Connections: Robins
2024-03-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Ages 3-7, sponsored by Calvin Cassady
Spring’s come early this year, and the robins are loving it! Join us as we learn more about these special springtime birds, read The Robins in Your Backyard by Nancy Carol Williams, sing a rockin’ robin tune, and build a special craft that’ll make you say “Cheep Cheep Cheep!”
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections-Robins, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Nature Explorers: Natural Wind Mobiles
2024-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Who doesn’t love the wind? At this month’s Nature Explorers, we’ll be taking it breezy with a natural wind mobile craft! With locally gathered, all natural materials, your child can embrace their creativity and harness the power of the wind at this free program.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/NatureExplorers-WindMobiles, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Big Cat Week
2024-03-22 - 2024-03-29 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Various dates starting March 22nd at Wildcat Park
For ages 8 and up
The cat’s in the cradle here at Wildcat Glades! This March, Wildcat Glades Nature Group is embracing its namesake for National Big Cat Week. Throughout this special week, we’ll feature programs on a variety of Missouri’s frequent felines; from big to small, spotted to striped, and extinct to invasive.
Details to follow, keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information.

Preschool Connections: Salamanders
2024-04-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Ages 3-7, sponsored by Calvin Cassady
What’s cute, slimy, and probably walking through your backyard? Why, it’s a Salamander! Join Wildcat’s one-and-only Miss Vicki as she talks, reads, and sings about Missouri’s amazing salamanders. After a bombardment of salamander knowledge, you’ll wrap up the program by making your very own salamander abodes!
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolSalamanders, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Adult Program: Natural Dyes
2024-04-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
For ages 13 and up
$10 to Attend
It’s time to brighten up April with a splash of color! Embrace your artistic side and get messy with some all natural dyes made from all natural materials at our messiest program yet!
Must pre-register. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/NaturalDyes24, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

April Foraging Hike
2024-04-13 03:00 - 17:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
For ages 13 and up
$20 to Attend
Partnership Program with Good Naturing Owner Kelly Hock
Ready to eat stuff off the ground? Kelly Hock is a certified foraging instructor and will take a group of knowledge-hungry attendees on a hike through the trails at Wildcat Park. Attendees will learn about the wonders of wild edibles along the trails system, the ethics of foraging, and how to identify edible plants. This hike has a limited number of slots available, so make sure to reserve your spot before they’re gobbled up for good.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/AprilForagingHike, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

May the Forest be with You: Rise of the Natives/Revenge of the Invasives
2024-04-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Wildcat Glades Pavilion, 2FHH+CP4, Joplin, MO, 64804, United States
All ages welcome
Help us Joplin, you’re our only hope!
Wildcat Glades Nature Group, the City of Joplin, Liberty Utilities, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Master Naturalists are teaming up to battle the forces of invasive species and protect Wildcat Glades! This year’s joint theme “Rise of the Natives/Revenge of the Invasives” focuses on the ongoing battle between native and invasive species alongside the ways you can help natives win. If the ultimate battle between good and evil isn’t exactly your forte, we’ll also feature a Native Tree Giveaway sponsored by Liberty Utilities, live music, food trucks, a recycled art contest, and numerous booths hosted by organizations from our community.
No need to register, just head out to Wildcat Park any time between 10am – 3pm and enjoy the festivities! Please email any questions to colvin@wildcatglades.org.

May Day Hike with Good Naturing
2024-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
Join Kelly Hock, owner of Good Naturing, to explore Wildcat Park to find wild edibles! This program is for adults only, ages 13 and up. Participants should wear proper hiking gear (boots/sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, a hat, insect spray, suncreen, etc) and bring their own reusable water bottle. Meet at the Wildcat Glades Education Cottage.

Birds & Brews
2024-05-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Reding’s Mill Bridge, MO, United States
All ages welcome
Partnership program with Missouri Department of Conservation & Ozark Audubon Society
Do you like coffee? Do you like birds? Do you like bridges? If any of these strike your fancy, Birds & Brews is the place to be! Enjoy the morning air and be serenaded by nature’s best avian musicians while you sip the finest drinks Pearl Coffee has to offer on the historic Redings Mill Bridge.
No need to register, just head to the Redings Mill Bridge any time between 8 am – 10 am and enjoy the festivities! Please email any questions to colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Preschool Connections: Sunflowers
2024-05-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage, 301 Riviera Drive, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, United States
For ages 3 and up
Program sponsored by Calvin Cassidy
Squirm the Squirrel was looking for his favorite sunflower seed when he realized that something magical had happened… This month’s Preschool Connections follows the adventures of Squirm the Squirrel as he finds his favorite seed. After the story, it’s time to sing a song, and plant your very own magic sunflower! Your child won’t want to miss this!
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections424, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Conservation in the Parks: Barnswallows
2024-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Mercy Park, 3002 St Johns Blvd, Joplin, MO, 64804, United States
For ages 13 and up
Partnership Program with the Missouri Department of Conservation
Spring is a great time to get out and look for birds, both migratory and the ones that nest here year-round! Although some just pass through Missouri, many nest right here in Joplin. Join us to look for birds of all kinds and the signs of their nests at Mercy Park!
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/ConservationBarnswallows, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Nature Explorers: Crawdads
2024-05-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Wildcat Glades Pavilion, 2FHH+CP4, Joplin, MO, 64804, United States
Crawdads, crayfish, crawfish, craydads… it doesn’t matter what you call them, they’ll still be snippy! If you’ve spent any time near Missouri’s streams, you’ve probably seen these clawed crustaceans dart through the water or hide under rocks. Be prepared to get messy, because at this month’s Nature Explorers, we’ll be wading into a shallow stream and observing crawdads in their own habitat! You’ll want a towel for this one!
Please wear appropriate attire, towels are recommended.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/NatureExplorersCrawdads, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org

Crawdads at the Creek
2024-06-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Wildcat Glades Pavilion, 2FHH+CP4, Joplin, MO, 64804, United States
This will be the third annual “Crawdads at the Creek Event” held by Wildcat Glades. This event will feature a creekside crawdad dinner under a lit event tent. We will have live music, a dessert auction, yard games and fellowship with nature while you enjoy a delicious meal! Tickets are $50 a person. Drinks will be provided, and alcoholic beverages will be available for additional purchase.
Tickets to this event sold quickly last year, so be sure to purchase yours soon!

Nature Explorers: Cicadas
2024-06-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Wildcat Glades Pavilion, 2FHH+CP4, Joplin, MO, 64804, United States
Free to Attend
Does Summer have a signature sound? If it did, it’d be the singing of the cicada! At this month’s Nature Explorers, we’ll be buzzing about the cicada! Come learn about its habitat, hobbies, lifecycle, the importance of this year’s cicadas, and much, much more.
Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/NatureExplorers524, or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org
