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Discover Nature Notes

Bees in the Hood

Peg Craft
Sep 16, 2019

Without them, our produce aisles would be mostly bare. With less of them, harvest sizes will shrink and prices will soar. Bees are essential for many of the foods we eat and nutrients we need.  Learn simple ways you can help bees in this week's Discover Nature Note.
 

common eastern bumblebee

Mysteries of the Sphinx Moths

Peg Craft
Sep 08, 2019

They rest like a sphinx, hover like a hummingbird, flutter like a bat, and are built for speed like a plane.  Sphinx moths have an identity crisis.  With us, not them.  Many are mistaken for other species. Discover more in this week's Discover Nature Notes.

white-lined sphinx larva

Flying Bullbats

Peg Craft
Sep 02, 2019

Watch for creatures known as flying "bullbats" in Missouri's September skies. Common Nighthawks fly like bats and make booming dives at dawn and dusk on their southern migration. Hear what they sound like and why their name makes no sense in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Common Nighthawk

The Hummingbirds of the Fish World

Peg Craft
Aug 25, 2019

Darters have been called the hummingbirds of the fish world. See their flash-and-dash, and travel streamside to discover the Niangua darter, a fish found only in Missouri, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Niangua Darter

Outdoor Cooking

Peg Craft
Aug 18, 2019

Whether you're camping, or cooking out in a park or backyard, food always tastes better outdoors. Discover tips and recipes from MDC's campfire cooks in this week's Discover Nature Note.

wild trout on barbecue grill

Happy Birthday Smokey Bear

Peg Craft
Aug 09, 2019

Happy 75th Birthday Smokey Bear! Our beloved American icon has been protecting our lands from wildfires since 1944. Discover who shares his birthday and how "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires" in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Smokey 75 Year_1944 Advertising Image

The Sincerest Form of Survival

Peg Craft
Aug 04, 2019

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but for wildlife, it can up the odds for survival. Mimicry is used for defense, attack, and camouflage in the wild. See how it's done in this week's Discover Nature Note.

red milkweed beetle

Missouri's Freshwater Shrimp

Peg Craft
Jul 28, 2019

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.

Mississippi Grass Shrimp

Bloodsuckers and Parasites

Peg Craft
Jul 21, 2019

Do not let these bloodsuckers and parasites ruin your great time in the outdoors! Mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers are out in force this year. Discover their wild ways and the best defense/good offense advice on fending them off in this week's Discover Nature Note. (Pictured: mosquito larvae)

mosquito larvae

MO Lobsta?

Peg Craft
Jul 14, 2019

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.

Red Swamp Crayfish

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We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.