Discover Nature Notes

There are thousands of ferns with creative names and healthy features. You can now officially go "gaga" over them with a newer 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 Discover Nature Notes blog.

You've likely seen them along the water, perching perfectly still with long legs and an "S" shaped neck. You may have seen them quickly snag a fish. Yet, few people have seen where they nest and have young. Herons build nests in colonies, usually high up in mature sycamore trees along streams. Look for several large nests grouped in a single tree. This time of year, you will see them flying around as they build, repair, and protect the nests. Learn more about herons and their hood in this Discover Nature Note.

Discover how wildlife beat the Survivor odds when the Wheel of Fortune spins into a new season and puts them in Jeopardy in this Discover Nature Note.

Check out the flight signals waterfowl use so you can snap that camera ready takeoff shot in this Discover Nature Note.

Discover the many sparrows of winter that add warm colors, fluttering action, and lyrical songs to brighten your winter days in this Discover Nature Note.

These diving ducks can bust some moves while flying and fishing. Get in the groove with Common Mergansers in this Discover Nature Note.

Happy Holidays! Discover wildlife journeys, and outdoor activities this holiday season and beyond in this Discover Nature Note.

These winter visitors put on a spectacular show between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check out Missouri's unique vantage points for viewing migrating birds in this Discover Nature Note.

Discover why healthy deer matter and go behind the scenes to see the dedicated work of conservation partners to maintain healthy populations and a healthy landscape in Missouri.

Hike your way to health and happiness and enjoy stunning fall color at Rockwoods Reservation in St. Louis County with this week's Discover Nature Note.