Our Mission is to protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state; to facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.
Within the Kansas City metro, we operate the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center and Burr Oak Woods Nature Centers which provide free nature exhibits, school programs and free public programs on a wide variety of nature programming, including natural history of native plants and animals and outdoor skills such as archery, hunter education and fishing. Both have paved and natural surface trails, picnic tables and restrooms.
Our Lake City, and Parma Woods Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Centers provide safe, low cost shooting ranges for public use as well as free classes on safe firearm use and maintenance, entry level how-to hunt and hunter education.
James A. Reed, Guy B. Park, Platte Falls and Cooley Lake Conservation Areas are all managed by the Department and have a variety of wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Each site is different with some having wheelchair accessible archery ranges and fishing opportunities. There are a variety of managed hunt opportunities within the metro including hunts specifically for those with disabilities. Do you permanently rely on a wheelchair? You are guaranteed a spot in one of two area managed hunts, if a written request is mailed in by July 31 each year. Details can be found in our Fall Deer and Turkey Regulations and Information booklet. The 2021 information can be found here.
Organizations working with individuals who have mobility issues can also borrow a set of track chairs for any nature related activities. Whether bird watching, hunting, or fishing, these chairs will take users almost anywhere.
Need to use a motorized scooter or other motorized mobility device on a conservation area? Simply submit a Special Use Permit Application to the area manager. Info can be found at: Special Use Permits | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)
Additional accessibility information can be found here: Accessibility Information | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)
Special Event: Go Native: Earth Day Edition
FREE - Walk-in (all ages)
Missouri Department of Conservation, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
It's back - your favorite free plant giveaway! Join us on Earth Day for a day of learning about the wide variety of native plants that can suit your landscaping needs. Explore easy ways to start planting native seeds of grasses and flowers. Discover how our native trees can add long-lasting value and beauty to your landscape. Marvel at how Missouri's wildlife benefits from native plants. We will be giving away free native plants and tree seedlings for you to take home and plant. Stick around for a guided landscape tour along with opportunities to ask experts for advice on improving your landscape with native plants. There will be activities for the while family!
If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.
