Discover Nature Notes

Time to serve up a healthy slice of thankfulness for our native bees who help pollinate our favorite foods. It's un-BEE-lievable how much we need bees for our nutrition. Bee populations are in decline, and we grow it to ourselves to help out in some simple ways. Check out some Bob's Burgers style fun and puns to BEE kind to our bees in this Discover Nature Note.

Getting Outdoors in the fall offers more than just colors, scents, and crisp temperatures. Along with good memories, these experiences offer a range of looks and feels. Here are some fall looks to try on or out this year as you head out to woods or waters, your local park or backyard. 

Float three rivers and catch the unique vibes they offer as well as tips for a great seasonal float. Missouri has a wealth and diversity of waters to float your boat. Check out an easy three rivers in a day in this Discover Nature Note.

No human could survive or want their diet. Their looks are kind of creepy. These magnificent flying scavengers have keen skills that help reduce the spread of disease and clean our environment. You've seen them soaring on thermals, and picking at carcasses on roadsides, but catch a rare glimpse of their family life, hidden from public view in this Discover Nature Note.

Gearing up for a camping or day trip or some Labor Day fun? Gather some prep tips for cooking outdoors along with recipes from MDC's seasoned chefs in this nature note.

Blooming sunflowers and other natural landscapes create dynamic photo ops. Learn tips to make the most of your nature photos and discover more about sunflowers in this nature note.

Watch for these aerial diners and flyers this summer while enjoying your favorite ball team at play. Discover Nighthawks in action and raising young in this Discover Nature Note.

To mark the Independence Day holiday, we are celebrating red, white, and blue in nature. It's surprising how often these colors appear and where. You can see patriotic colors on display in the wild, watch a video, and learn more in this Discover Nature Note.

They can leap at heights that in humans would allow us to high jump the Gateway Arch and pull G forces more than 80 times a diving fighter pilot or ascending astronaut. Spittlebugs create their own protective bubble to grow up in as nymphs. Discover more about their superpowers in this Discover Nature Note.

Beavers are ecological engineering marvels. Their constructions create communities where other wildlife travel, rest, and feed. See who shows up when beavers build a dam, and learn more about them in this Discover Nature Note.