Discover Nature Notes

There are many myths about snakes. Some were imported from Europe and others grew as settlers got to know North American snakes. Separate fact from fiction and overcome your fears with this week's Discover Nature Note.

Hike your way to health and happiness with this week's Discover Nature Note.

Halloween brings out the creepy critters. Discover three that are just trying to feed themselves or their young in what might be considered nightmare ways to the human species in this week's Discover Nature Note.

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.

Watch for flying spiders this fall. The newly hatched young will find a launch point, release their silk, and balloon to new territory. Learn more, including what they've been mistaken for, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

A third eyelid, toes that point in opposite directions, and a jackhammer-like beak help woodpeckers feed and build their tree homes. Discover woodpecker superpowers and how you can help them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Discover four seasons of outdoor recreation at Riverlands. This unique area minutes from St. Louis offers floating, trails through forest, prairie and wetland habitats, and premiere birdwatching. Get all you need to know before you go in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Eat them green and you'll pucker up like a sunfish. Gather them ripe before the raccoons, and you'll enjoy Missouri's tastiest fall treat-- perfect for pies, breads, and puddings. Persimmons are a homegrown favorite. Discover what sports use persimmon wood and get a recipe in this week's Discover Nature Note.

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.

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 Note.