Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature

1. The Dogwood days of summer - Watch for bluebirds and robins gathered near gray dogwoods, eating the white berries.
2. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a bat! Look up in the night sky this month. Baby bats begin to take flight.
3. Discover Nature: Family Fishing Day - Saturday, Aug. 26 • 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center RT 1, Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 No registration required, call 573-325-1381 for more information.
4. Join the Twin Pines staff at the annual Family Fishing Day. Enjoy grilled hot dogs and lemonade. Compete to see who can catch the most or the biggest fish. Let the kids try their hand at making a fish-print t-shirt or other craft. Try your luck at our free-prize drawing. Or just relax in the shade of one of Missouri’s pines. For this event only, no Missouri fishing license is required.
5. There’s the rub. Male white-tailed deer rub velvet off their antlers. Look for rubs on small trees.
6. Archery Basics - Saturday, Aug. 26 • 8:30–11:30 a.m. Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center 4859 N. Farm Road 61, Ash Grove, MO 65604 Registration required, call 417-742-4361 by Aug. 24. Discover the basics of archery shooting. We will cover bow terminology, hand set, bow set, pre-draw, stance, and much more, and then go shoot on the static archery range. You may bring your own bow or use ours.
7. Mussel Amore - Pocketbook mussels begin breeding this month. Look for these freshwater clams next time you are at the river or lake.
8. Grab your shades! A total eclipse of the sun will occur in Missouri on Aug. 21. Don’t be left in the dark for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Natural Events to See This Month

Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.

• Young striped skunks strike out on their own.
• Elderberries and wild grapes begin ripening.
• Bluewinged teal begin returning from the north.

Hiked It… Liked It!

Hiking is a great way to get out and discover nature. It’s good for your health, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and ability levels.

How to Prepare:

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Plan to layer your clothing
• Pack water and a light snack

Bring:

• Camera and binoculars
• Guides to identify birds, tracks, and wildflowers
• Family and friends
• For more information and to find a trail near you, visit mdc.mo.gov