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Learn & Discover

 

We offer a wide range of classes for adults, youth and families each summer. Adults can study nature photography, learn about landscaping, hone outdoor skills and more. For families, offerings include a first time fishing, insect discovery and a creek stomp!

Browse all Shaw Nature Reserve adult, youth and family classes

In addition, you can find summer programs for people of all ages at both the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Butterfly House.

Featured Program

Girls examining mantis

Little Nature Explorers
For families with children ages 3–5 with an adult.
This series of explorations will include hands-on activities that encourage kids to get up-close and personal with nature. These programs happen year round. Registration is required.
See upcoming dates and topics.

 

Summer Opportunities for Groups

Glade wildflowers

Attention Summer Camp Directors!
Let us help you give your campers an experience like none other in the great outdoors. Whether spending the night at our Dana Brown Overnight Center or visiting for a daytime field trip, your camp group can have an adventure to remember at the Shaw Nature Reserve.

  • Over 2,400 acres of native Missouri habitats
  • 18 miles of hiking trails
  • Access to the Meramec River, ponds, streams and wetlands
  • Visit our tall grass prairie
  • Only 35 miles west of St. Louis

For more information about programs, please call (314) 577-9539 for 4th-12 grade or (314) 577-9523 for PreK-3rd grade..

Our other sites also offer summer programs for camp groups:

Programs for camp groups at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Programs for camp groups at the Butterfly House
 

Also available:

Part of the MBG Teen NetworkSIFT (Shaw Institute for Field Training)

Students entering grades 10 and 11
The SIFT program is a one-week summer field training experience at Shaw Nature Reserve combined with additional training and paid field work activities during the rest of the summer and following school year. Learn more