At this time of year most snakes are still in their overwintering homes waiting for spring to arrive. Let’s become snake experts as we discover why these animals are so unique, and important too. Live animals will be on hand for touching, and fun activities will help us to imagine life as a snake. Reservations are required. 1 to 2 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Free. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Area.

More information: mdc.org or (314) 301-1500.

What baby bird can eat 14 feet of worms a day? What bird has a long sticky barbed tongue and built-in shock absorbers in its head? What bird do people like so much that it is the state bird of seven states? What bird is so small that it can be lunch for a praying mantis? Discover these and other little-known stories of the birds we know best. Also make a nest box to donate to a bird shelter! Reservations are required. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 8 and up. Free. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Area.

More information: mdc.org or (314) 301-1500.

Experience a unique evening with your family exploring human anatomy and contemporary healthy issues. Activities include 3-D demonstrations of human organs and hands-on anatomical dissections in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Physicians and educators from Washington University School of Medicine will facilitate these educational programs for you and your children, 5^th grade and older. 6 to 8 p.m. $10 for Science Center members per person, per session; $12 for non-members. St. Louis Science Center.

There are still a few weeks until spring officially arrives, but that doesn’t stop nature from peeking through the snow and ice once in a while! Enjoy an afternoon at Powder Valley as we discuss signs of early spring. Then we will hit the trails for the prospect of a real-life encounter with some of those signs we discussed. Keep in mind that the hike is 1 1/5 miles in length, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Reservations are required. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Homeschool ages 8 and up. Free. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Area.