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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

Outdoor Cooking

Peg Craft
Aug 20, 2018

Cooking In The Outdoors: With summer fading and Labor Day approaching, it's a great time for outdoor cooking with family and friends. Whether you're camping, or cooking out in a local park or your own backyard, food always tastes better when prepared outdoors. Check out some time-tested recipes like orange muffins, sweet and sour chicken, carp on a stick, as well as campfire tips and tricks in this week's Discover Nature Note.

wild trout on barbecue grill

Missouri's Freshwater Shrimp

Peg Craft
Aug 13, 2018

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 were harvested along the Mississippi river for food in the 1800's. They are rare today. Missouri's freshwater shrimp are important to fish and other wildlife and may live in the waters where you fish and boat. Learn more about them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Photo of a gravid Mississippi grass shrimp in an aquarium.

Pollinator Power

Peg Craft
Aug 06, 2018

Our Need For Bees: 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. Native bumblebees are intentional pollinators that do the most important work. Learn more about bees, how you can help, and the amazing diversity we have in St. Louis in this week's Discover Nature Note. (Pictured: Common Eastern Bumblebee)

common eastern bumblebee

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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.