Discover Nature Notes

Shrimp in Missouri, Who Knew?: Two types of freshwater shrimp can be found in Missouri's lakes and rivers. One is common and one is rare. The Mississippi Grass shrimp is small and transparent. The female pictured is carrying her eggs attached to swimmerets beneath her abdomen. The Ohio shrimp are larger and harder to find. Missouri's freshwater shrimp are important to fish and other wildlife. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Does Missouri have lobster? Our crayfish are a smaller relative, but a large powerhouse for fueling and housing hundreds of species, and helping soils, plants and waterways. Learn why, see them up close, and catch a recipe for etouffee in this week's Discover Nature Notes.

Happy Independence Week! To mark the holiday, we are celebrating RED, WHITE, and BLUE in nature. Check out patriotic colors and catch some fun facts about our national bird in this week's Discover Nature Note.

One of these eggs is out of place. There's a devious plan at work in this nest. Find out why, and how bird eggs are designed for competitive edge, in this week's Discover Nature Note.