Discover Nature Notes

Monarch butterflies in the eastern U.S. and Canada fly more than 2,000 miles to the same forest in Mexico every fall.  In the spring they return.  Four generations make the round trip.  The migration of monarch butterflies is truly a natural wonder and navigation marvel.  You can learn more about these popular pollinators and how you can help bring monarchs back from a serious decline in this week's Discover Nature Note.  You can also watch videos of a new monarch emerging and a woman from Columbia, Missouri who raises monarchs.

It was named by French expolorers, cared for by Native Americans, sustained by fire and when the steel plow broke it; it fed the world.  The tallgrass prairie is truly an original American landscape.  Learn more about this special habitat and where you can explore remaining Missouri prairies in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is celebrating 80 Years of Serving Nature and You.  Our rich conservation heritage has been possible thanks to Missouri citizens and partners.  Learn ways you can get involved to shape the next 80 years and offer your ideas at open houses throughout the state in this week's Discover Nature Note.

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.