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Discover Nature Notes

Creepy Critters

Peg Craft
Oct 29, 2018

Guess That Spooky Sound: They may have hairy legs or vampire-looking wings, but these real life critters eat the blood suckers that ruin our summer evenings and perform some amazing feats. Learn more about spiders and bats in this week's Discover Nature Note and see how many spooky sounds you can guess before each video puzzle completes.

Silver-Haired Bat

Three Dabblers

Peg Craft
Oct 22, 2018

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.

American wigeon male

The Sounds of Fall

Peg Craft
Oct 15, 2018

The Sounds Of Fall: Fall is a sensory delight. And not just for the eyes and nose. The sounds of fall are as distinct as its sights and smells. Explore the many sounds of fall ;and places to go to hear them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Woolly Bears and Winter

Peg Craft
Oct 08, 2018

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.

Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Health Benefits of Hiking

Peg Craft
Oct 02, 2018

Happy And Healthy Trails: Boosting brain power, balance, and muscle and joint toning are some of the many benefits from hiking. Learn where and how you can hike your way to health and happiness, as well as take a video tour on the Ozark trail in this week's Discover Nature Note blog.

hiking

Natural Differences

Peg Craft
Sep 25, 2018

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.

mallard pair

Missouri Nuts

Peg Craft
Sep 16, 2018

MISSOURI NUTS:  Gather ye nuts while ye may.  In Missouri, that's September and October for our finest homegrown edibles.  Our top three that rank high in nutrition, economic value and taste are black walnuts, pecans and hickories.  Watch a video on walnuts and try a recipe for hickory nut sandies in this week's Discover Nature Note. Pictured:  Pecan leaves and nuts

pecan leaves and nut

Fall Mushrooms

Peg Craft
Sep 09, 2018

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.

Photo of a giant puffball, a large, smooth, rounded mushroom, growing in grass

The Marvelous Mighty Monarch

Peg Craft
Sep 03, 2018

The Marvelous Mighty Monarch: Monarch butterflies in Missouri fly to the same forest in Mexico every fall. In the spring they return. Four generations make the round trip. Their migration is truly a natural wonder and navigation marvel. They also have a mighty problem that you can help solve. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Monarch Butterfly and Chrysalis

Outdoor Cooking II

Peg Craft
Aug 27, 2018

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.

family camping

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