Discover Nature Notes

Send in the Wrens

Peg Craft

Apr 28, 2019

They may be among the smallest songbirds, but they make their presence known with loud and persistent singing. Hear from Carolina, house and Bewick's wrens in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Celebrating 50 Years of Urban Fishing

Peg Craft

Apr 21, 2019

In 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and the St. Louis Blues were in the Stanley Cup. To ease social tensions at that time, St. Louis became a national, pilot city for an urban fishing program. Catch the unique story of urban fishing and why it's so popular today in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Spring Forests

Peg Craft

Apr 14, 2019

Forests are energy factories! Discover what's blooming and who's moving in Missouri forests this spring in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Meadowlark Melodies

Peg Craft

Apr 07, 2019

Eastern and Western meadowlarks sing a different tune, but both birds can be found in grasslands. They sing from perches and nest on the ground. Learn their different songs and find help identifying bird features in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Freshwater Mussels

Peg Craft

Mar 31, 2019

Freshwater mussels are a powerhouse for cleaning our waters. They have a fantasia-like way of reproducing with the help of host fish. Discover their power and risks, and how you can help protect them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Creature with a Mobile Home

Peg Craft

Mar 23, 2019

It's always on the move and brings it's home along too! It is both common and unusual. Its mouth is on the bottom of its foot. It has a foot but no leg. It leaves a trail wherever it goes. This mobile critter has a lot of mechanical features with special attachments. Learn more about this ancient creature found worldwide in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Bird with the Sky on Its Back

Peg Craft

Mar 17, 2019

Poet Henry David Thoreau wrote that the bluebird, "carries the sky on its back". Learn more about this symbol of happiness and how you can help them and watch them raise a family by building a nest box.

GAGA Over Ferns

Peg Craft

Mar 10, 2019

There are thousands of ferns with creative names and healthy features. You can now officially go "gaga" over them with a new genus of 19 plants named after Lady Gaga, inspired by a grammy costume and DNA sequencing. Discover the resurrection fern. It comes back to life, has been to space, and is used medicinally. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Nature's Slow Take on Speed Dating

Peg Craft

Mar 03, 2019

Male prairie chickens boom, jump in the air, and compete for the attention of hens. The hens take their time strolling by before picking a mate. See their spring dance and learn what's being done to save them in this week's Discover Nature Note.