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Discover Nature Notes

The Bald Trees with the Knobby Knees

Peg Craft
Jul 17, 2017

If you want to visit an other-worldly looking destination then you can't beat Missouri's swamps.  And these wouldn't be complete without the bald cypress trees with the knobby knees growing up out of the water.  The best views are at Allred Lake Natural Area and a great time to go is in the fall around Halloween when they reach peak fall color.  Learn more about Bald Cypress Trees by clicking through this week's Discover Nature Note.

bald cypress tree at Allred Lake Natural Area

Wild Fruits of Summer

Peg Craft
Jul 10, 2017

If you're wild about wild fruits or looking for new adventure, then summer is a great time to go berry picking in the Show Me state.  Learn some fun facts about three popular summer fruits and when and where to find them as well as a tasty recipe in this week's Discover Nature Note.

wild blackberries

Red, White and Blue in Nature

Peg Craft
Jul 03, 2017

Happy Independence Day and Happy 80th Anniversary for the Missouri Department of Conservation! To mark the holiday and anniversary milestone, we are celebrating red, white and blue in nature this week. It's surprising how often these colors appear and where. You can see these colors on display and learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

wild turkey

Have You Seen This Fish?

Peg Craft
Jun 26, 2017

It's a commoner with an identity problem and kids love to catch them.  Learn more about this colorful underwater predator  in this week's Discover Nature Note.

green sunfish

Rattlesnake Rattles

Peg Craft
Jun 19, 2017

It's a startling sound that can stop you in your tracks.  There's no mistaking the rattlesnake's rattle.  But how it makes its scary sound and grows its tail may surprise you.  Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Timber Rattlesnake rattle

Fish Fathers

Peg Craft
Jun 12, 2017

RIDDLE: Two fathers and two sons go fishing together in the same boat.  They all catch a fish but the total catch for the day is three fish.  How is this possible? Find the answer to this riddle and learn about two "super dad" fish in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Bluegill

The Bird that Fishes

Peg Craft
Jun 05, 2017

With stout frame and a mohawk crest, this potent predator strikes with stealth.  Its prey may not see it coming, but you might if you listen for its swooping call.  Find out more about this wild fisher on Missouri waters in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Belted Kingfisher female with fish

Wild Waifs

Peg Craft
May 29, 2017

Baby birds and other young wildlife may look abandoned, but odds are their parents are nearby, caring for them from a distance.  Learn why this happens and why it's best to leave these babes alone in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Young Fawn in Grass

Acoustic Dawn

Peg Craft
May 22, 2017

Nature provides some of the best jam sessions.  It's definitely worth rising early in May and June to catch an acoustic dawn as spring harmonize to start their day.  Get a front row seat to this natural concert in this week's Discover Nature Note.

American Robin

Tracking Birds with Radar

Peg Craft
May 15, 2017

Like airplanes and thunderstorms, flocks of migrating birds can be tracked by radar. Learn how scientist's are tracking spring migrations in this week's Discover Nature Notes.

A male Blue Grosbeak perched on a tree

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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.