Fall is approaching quickly!

August news & updates

August 10, 2026

Summer End and Fall Fun

The Lodge is quiet and clean after a full two months of summer camp. Now we gear up for fall programs. This fall we are introducing some Winter Sowing classes, a Seed Collection class, and the opportunity to learn some wild crafts such as cordage making. Be sure to check out all the adult and student offerings this fall so you don't miss out on attending with us.

August Events

See what's happening this month.

August 11 - Heartland Prairie Hike

August 15 - Trail Challenge Hike: Frog and Fox Trails

August 18 - Critters and Crypts

August 19 - Telescope Night

August 20 - Little Chickadees and Me

August 22 - Messy Play Day

August 25 - Critters and Crypts

August 25 - Heartland Prairie Hike

August 26 - ECO Homeschool Adventures

August 27 - Forest Playdate

August 28 - Volunteer: Native Seed Collecting

August 28 - Moonlight Hike

September Events

See what's happening this month.

September 1 - Critters and Crypts

September 5 - Seed Collection Workshop

September 8 - Tiny Trekkers

September 8 - Roaming Naturalists

September 8 - Critters and Crypts

September 8 - Heartland Prairie Hike

September 9 - ECO Homeschool Adventures

September 11 - Hayner Library Storytime at TNI

September 11 - Telescope Night

September 12 - Yoga + Hike

September 15 - Tiny Trekkers

September 15 - Critters and Crypts

September 17 - Forest Playdate

September 18 - Kids Night Out

September 22 - Tiny Trekkers

September 22 - Critters and Crypts

September 22 - Heartland Prairie Hike

September 23 - Volunteer: Native Seed Collecting

September 23 - ECO Homeschool Adventures

September 25 - In Harmony with Nature

September 27 - Moonlight Hike

September 29 - Tiny Trekkers

September 29 - Critters and Crypts

September 20 - Volunteer: Native Seed Collecting

Research, Restoration, and Retail

We are participating in another round of Heat Wave research with a graduate student from Michigan. If you notice green or orange flagging around Frog Trail, please leave it. If you have any questions about the research project, contact Ramona at rpollard@theantureinstitute.org.

Summer has been a busy time for restoration at The Nature Institute. Rebekah and her crew have been busy reducing the populations of invasive and aggressive species around the property, cutting in burn breaks, and so much more.

We are gearing up for a fall plant sale with the Missouri Prairie Foundation on September 12th. Mark your calendars and plan to come out for some amazing native plants to increase the diversity of your yard. We will also be running a fall merch sale starting in mid-September. Be on the lookout for the start of that sale.

Spotlight On: Education

Fall for Preschoolers

The school year is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about your children’s fall plans. If you have a 3 - 5 year old, October still has a few spots open! Tiny Trekkers is our drop off preschool program, taking place each Tuesday from 9 - 11:30 am. Come explore with us outside this fall! Learn more and register on our website.

ECO Homeschool Adventures Returns!

Our popular program for homeschool students returns this month! Each month, we tackle a different nature-based topic through outdoor activities, art, and trail investigations. Our Elementary program takes place from 10 - 11:30 am on select Wednesdays, while our Middle & High school students meet at 1 - 3 pm. Be sure to register early, as sessions do fill up!

Only Three More Movie Nights Left for 2026

This month, we will be showing the last of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films, the Oscar-winning, The Return of the King. Save the night of August 15 and come out a bit before 8:30PM to set up your lawn chairs and/or blanket, sit back, relax, and be whisked away to the lands and time of Middle Earth. Our September film will be The War of the Rohirrim and our October film will be the 1980, animated version of The Return of the King. Rumor has it that next year’s films will all take place a “long time ago…”

Volunteers Unite!

We have a bunch of exciting and varied volunteer opportunities this fall. If you are not a fan of pulling honeysuckle in the middle of the woods maybe seed collecting would be suit your fancy. Check out the opportunities below.

Native Seed Collection Workday - Did you know TNI uses millions of seeds each year to increase biodiversity of the prairies and woodlands on the preserve? Our goal is to collect most of that seed from our property so that we can utilize it in new places and help spread it even wider. You can help us collect these crucial packages of plant life. Bring your gloves, water and wear long pants. We will give you the collection tools and a demonstration of proper seed collection techniques.

Registration Link for TNI Collection Days

August 28 - 9 am to 12 pm

September 30 - 9 am to 12 pm

Registration Link for Heartland Prairie Collection Days

September 16 - 9am - 12 pm (Heartland Prairie)

October 6 - 9 am to 12 pm (Heartland Prairie)

Heartland Prairie Clean Up Workday - The Nature Institute manages Heartland Prairie at Gordon Moore Park. This prairie jewel has been growing continuously for over 40 years and was the dedicated work of a group of amazing volunteers. Be part of that legacy by coming out for a day of cleanup in the prairie. We will work to remove invasive species, cut back some of the aggressive species, and get the prairie ready for winter rest.

Registration Link

October 23 - 9 am to 12 pm

Honeysuckle Removal Workday - Honeysuckle is on our top 5 list of most hated plants here at TNI. It is an invasive species that can take over the understory of a forest in seeming no time at all. Help us combat this aggressive woody species with a morning of cutting and pulling. Bring your water, and wear long pants and sturdy shoes for a morning of tromping around in the forest.

Registration Link

November 13 - 9 am to 12 pm

November 18 - 9 am to 12 pm

December 4 - 9 am to 12 pm

Sponsorship Opportunity

The Nature Institute | www.TheNatureInstitute.org