The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has released a new gaming app to help Missourians explore the outdoors and learn about wildlife in an exciting way. 

Agents of Discovery is a free augmented reality, geo-triggered application that teaches users about Missouri’s natural environment via challenges or mini-games. As users complete missions they will learn about Missouri’s forests, fish and wildlife.

Players also will receive earnings for completing missions in which they can redeem for small rewards at local MDC nature or visitor centers.

Some of the missions include a “Backyard Birds” challenge to teach about Missouri’s native birds and a “Twin Pines Conservation Education Center Adventure” to help users identify local creatures by sight and sound. 

An “Eagle Days” mission also was added recently due to the high influx of bald eagles to Missouri during the winter months. The mission will end on Feb. 28, as many eagles will be returning to their prior locations when weather warms up.

Players are encouraged to complete nature-based challenges at their own homes or while visiting MDC land, centers and events such as the annual Missouri State Fair or Eagle Days celebration. Users also can show off their earnings on social media by using an MDC Instagram sticker.

MDC wants to remind Agents of Discovery users to stay aware of their surroundings and to remain on trails if possible. The department encourages players to save the local forest service ranger’s phone number before venturing into the woods and to bring plenty of water and supplies in case of an emergency.

The app currently has over 100 missions with more being added in the future. Agents of Discovery can be downloaded for Apple and Android phones here.