Welcome to the 2026 Master Naturalist State Conference — Gateway to Nature!
We’re thrilled to host this year’s statewide gathering on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. The conference venue sits just steps from the iconic Forest Park, offering attendees immediate access to 1,300 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands, waterways, and some of Missouri’s most celebrated conservation success stories.
Our theme, “Gateway to Nature,” invites participants to explore how naturalists, researchers, land managers, and volunteers can work together to protect Missouri’s biodiversity in a rapidly shifting world. The St. Louis region provides the perfect backdrop, where rich natural heritage meets innovative conservation work. From the rolling oak-hickory forests of the Ozark border to the restored tallgrass prairies, urban wildlife corridors, and the confluence of two great rivers, few places offer such an extraordinary living classroom for naturalists of all backgrounds. Join the Confluence, Great Rivers, and Miramiguoa Master Naturalists for a weekend of hands-on learning, field-based exploration, and inspiring conversations with experts who are shaping the future of conservation in our state.
After completing the registration, please look for the confirmation email. This will include a link to sign up for sessions and a link to the conference app. Some experiences have limited space or an additional cost, so please make sure to reserve your spots!
What to Expect
Engaging keynote speakers from across Missouri’s conservation community
Breakout sessions and workshops on ecology, restoration, community science, wildlife management, and natural interpretation
Guided field trips to iconic natural areas in and around St. Louis, such as Shaw Nature Reserve, Forest Park, Meramec River conservation areas, and Riverlands/Confluence
Opportunities to connect with chapters from across the state and exchange ideas, successes, and new approaches to volunteer leadership
A celebration of service, recognizing the thousands of hours Missouri Master Naturalists contribute each year toward education, stewardship, and conservation action
Tentative Schedule:
Friday — Welcome to St. Louis & Opening Activities
Early Afternoon Field Trips (1-3pm)
Forest Park: Insects of Forest Park
Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Little Creek Nature Area
Riverlands
Additional Afternoon Field Trips
Historic Parks of St. Louis Bus Tour
Fisher Cave Tour
Late Afternoon Field Trips (3-5 pm)
Cliff Cave Tour
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Forest Park: Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Litzsinger Road Ecology Center
Riverlands/Confluence
Evening Events
Reception and Welcome Remarks (6:30–7:00 pm)
Forest Park Owl Prowl
Connect with fellow naturalists, build community, and learn something new in the process!
Saturday — Field Experiences, Learning Sessions & Evening Celebration
Morning Field Trip Options (9:00–10:30am)
Morning Class Topics include:
Fire Ecology, Invasives, Deer-Resistant & Wildlife-Rich Landscaping, Forest Park History, Indigenous Peoples in Missouri, Community Service Alliance, plus more!
Late Morning Field Trip Options (11:00-12:30pm)
Late Morning Class Topics include:
St. Louis Box Turtle Project, Foraging the Ozarks, Native Landscaping, Conservation Citizenship, Statewide Butterfly Monitoring Network, Atl Atls, plus more!
Afternoon Class Block Topics Include (1:00-2:30pm)
Bring Conservation Home, Paying for Parks, Why Prairies Matter, Ecological Practices with Native Plants, Galls, Mushrooms, plus more!
Late Afternoon Class Topics Include (3:00-4:30pm):
Nightscape Photography, How to Talk About Bugs, Are Bee Hotels the Answer, Benefits of the Riparian Corridor, Dark Skies, plus more!
Evening Events
Networking Time
Keynote (5:30–6:30 pm)
Dinner & Evening Entertainment- Live Music!
Sunday — Final Sessions, Plant Sale & Closing Field Trips
Morning Class Topics Include (9:00–10:30am):
How to Find an Owl in Your Neighborhood, Missouri Green Schools, Bellefontaine Cemetery, Bats, Composting, plus more!
Presentation from Missouri Department of Conservation (11:30am-12:30pm)
Afternoon Field Trips (1:30–3:00pm)
