St. Louis County

Parents are invited to this free presentation and discussion on backpack safety and general health. Dr. Krystal Rupp, a chiropractic physician, will discuss appropriate weight and placement of backpacks, how to adjust straps correctly, stretching techniques for children, and offer nutrition suggestions.

6:30 p.m. at The Magic House. Registration is required.

More information: magichouse.org

The Magic House is hosting a special Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash!

Visitors to The Magic House will enjoy special story times featuring their favorite Dr. Seuss books, make their own Dr. Seuss hat and other crafts and shake paws with the Cat in the Hat himself.

Children 11 and under who bring in a new Dr. Seuss book ($5 minimum value) to be donated to a child in need will receive free museum admission during the Dr. Seuss weekend event.

Little ones can gather 'round the sugarbush for fun stories. They'll learn about maple sugaring through stories told by naturalists, and eveyone will get to taste maple syrup. Most of the program is outdoors, so dress for the weather. Recommended for ages 3 to 5. 10:30 a.m. Free.

At Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood.

Who hoots this time of year? Kids and teens ages 7 to 14 will learn about Missouri's owls, learn to hoot like an owl and dissect owl pellets in this joint program sponsored by the St. Louis Jr. Audubon Society and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

10 a.m. Free. 

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.

So you’ve got maple trees and you love maple syrup… join this program to learn how to develop your very own backyard maple syrup and maple sugar operation. You’ll learn to identify sugar maple trees, details of tree tapping, cooking methods and finishing your sap to syrup. Join the growing community of maple sugaring enthusiasts and gain experience in every step of the process by working with naturalists. Call 636-458-2236 for reservations. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. At Rockwoods Reservation.

Tracks in the snow, hair on a fence, loud cries in the night. Could it be a mountain lion? The mountain lion and other large carnivores once served as nature's check on deer and other prey species. Today, humans control the deer herd, so the natural role of this big cat is gone. There aren't many animals that receive more interest in Missouri than mountain lions. 

Who's in the forest this time of year? Some Missouri owls stick around all year and are especially vocal during the winter months. Get together to discuss some of the owl's amazing adaptations, dissect some pellets to see what they're eating and take a hike to hear what they're saying. Dress for the weather.

Free. For ages 7 and up. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.