Tired of “McHoliday” decorations? How about shopping in nature instead. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation for Boughs of Natives – one of its most popular programs. Learn to deck the halls with boughs of native trees and plants.

Want to raise kids who love nature? Start with a story. And you don’t even have to tell it! A naturalist from the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center introduces nature and educates about the world of wildlife through the Little Acorns program, ideal for preschoolers-kindergarteners.

Lakeside Nature Center, in Kansas City, makes it simple. Just show up! Meet outside the main doors and the hike will begin at its scheduled starting time. Dress for the weather and the bugs (or lack thereof). A naturalist will guide your hike, which usually take place on the Fox Hollow trail, which has a natural (unpaved) surface. Hikes can be canceled for severe weather, so call the center if you have questions at 816.513.8960.

Join the Sierra Club for trail and habitat maintenance at the Blue River Glades Natural Area. This limestone glade is rare for northern Missouri. It includes chinquapin oaks nearly 300 years old atop limestone. A prairie-like flora of grasses and wildflowers provides rich color and texture through most of the year. The glade is threatened by several invasive plant species, especially honeysuckle, which needs to be eradicated so native flowers and grasses flourish again in these stunning wild areas.

The Sierra Club is the sponsor of this group hike in Platte County. The six-mile (each way) Prairie Creek Greenway Trail passes prairie, crisscrosses the stream and encounters a few hills and forested groves.

Want to raise kids who love nature? Start with a story. And you don’t even have to tell it! A naturalist from the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center introduces nature and educates about the world of wildlife through the Little Acorns program, ideal for preschoolers-kindergarteners.

While people huddle near heat, Midwestern birds are active all winter long. Get introduced to some of the area’s native avian residents. Bring binoculars, but if you don’t have any, they are available at the Discovery Center. This is an all-ages program.

Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to get outdoors during the winter months. Joining others can provide an extra spark. This naturalist-guided walk though Ernie Miller Nature Center, in Olathe, is focused on experiencing the still of winter in the forest. It ends with hot tea.

Join Johnson County Parks and Recreation for an educational evening hike through the forest. Your group will visit stations throughout the park and learn about techniques to help you survive if you’re ever lost in the woods after dark. Headlamps and other sources of light will be provided.