Ways to connect with nature.
Visitors from the North
Juncos arrive from Canada. These are common backyard birds that will stay throughout the winter. Enjoy them at your feeder.
I’ll Eat Just One More
Striped skunks are fattening up for winter. They forage most of the night on plants and animal foods, such as bee larvae, mice, moles, and shrews.
Kansas City Region Halloween Happening
HOWLoween Special Event
Friday, Oct. 19 • 6–9 p.m. Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required. Call 816-759-7300 for more information All ages
HOWLoween is back and discovering nature’s creepy creatures is just part of the nighttime fun. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, the Bone Yard, the Bat Cave, and much more. It will be a howling fun, unforgettable event for the entire family.
Get a Peek at Fall Colors
Missouri’s fall colors peak in mid- October. You can enjoy this natural wonder almost anywhere, but to get a spectacular view, check out the forested bluffs along a riverway, drive along country back roads, or just take a hike. For more suggestions, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4E.
Busy Beavers
Keep an eye out for beavers along streams, rivers, marshes, and small lakes. They are active during the day, gathering food for winter.
Central Region
Primitive Skills
Saturday • Oct. 20 • 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109 No registration required. Call 573-526-5544 for more information. All ages
Take a step back in time and explore our heritage by practicing your primitive skills. Try your hand at atlatl, tomahawk throwing, archery, natural dyes, cordage, and flintknapping
Natural Events to See This Month
Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.
- Hellbender breeding peaks
- Brown bats gather at cave entrances to mate and hibernate
- Lady beetles congregate on sunny sides of houses.
Also In This Issue


This Issue's Staff
Associate Editor - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Larry Archer
Staff Writer - Heather Feeler
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Creative Director - Stephanie Thurber
Art Director - Cliff White
Designer - Les Fortenberry
Designer - Marci Porter
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation - Laura Scheuler