Blog Posts from Discover Nature Notes - 2018

The Holiday Tree Thief: People have been stealing kisses under its branches for years, but in nature, mistletoe is the real thief. This parasite plant steals nutrients from trees. It also provides food and homes for birds and mammals. Discover more about mistletoe and where you can find it naturally in Missouri, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

MISSOURI'S SPICY EVERGREEN: Its aromatic wood is used for chests and closets, its oils for soaps and gin, and its high-energy berries feed hungry birds. Meet the Eastern red cedar. A shapely, spicy evergreen that is Missouri's most common and a yuletide favorite for people and wildlife. Red cedar branches provide greenery during winter and protect deer and rabbits from the wind. Learn more fun facts about red cedar trees in this week's Discover Nature Note.

THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY: Wild turkeys are birds simmered in American tradition. They have over 5,000 feathers, are swift runners, as well as quick flyers for short distances. Learn more about these powerful birds, how they got here, and watch a video with some tasty ways to prepare them with MDC's Kyle Lairmore and Missourinet's Bill Pollock in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

WHY HEALTHY DEER MATTER AND HOW YOU CAN HELP:  Over the last 100 years, Missouri's white-tailed deer were brought back from an all-time low of 400 to more than 1.2 million today.  They're one of our most valuable species for outdoor recreation, jobs and tourism.  The work of keeping our deer herd healthy today is as important as the early work to restore them.  Scientists work with hunters and landowners to prevent the spread of disease, especially Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is always fatal.  Learn more about deer health, CWD, and mandatory testing in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Are You A Dabbler Or A Diver?: Do you like to skim along the surface or go deep? Learn the differences between dabbling ducks and diving ducks and how you can look for three dabblers winging their way through Missouri in this week's Discover Nature Note blog.

Woolly Bear Myths And Facts: These fuzzy caterpillars are out crossing roads now. Why do they do that and can they really predict weather? Explore fun facts about them and learn what they turn into in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

NATURAL DIFFERENCES: Ever wonder why the males and females of some species look different? They may vary in size, coloration or behavior. Seasonal decorations can help some animals distinguish males from females. Learn and see more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Puffballs And Other Fall Mushrooms: Mushroom hunting is popular in the spring, but there are many varieties that grow in the fall. Puffballs can release thousands of powdery spores when squished. They're not the same as the classic Star Trek spores, but puffball mushrooms are edible. Learn more in this week’s Discover Nature Note.

OUTDOOR COOKING II:  Try this recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken from MDC's Campfire Cooks on your next outdoor adventure.  It's a fun way to gather around the campfire and create a tasty meal.  Learn more campfire tips and outdoor cooking recipes in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.