Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature.

Sampling a Sapling

Wildlife enjoy snacking on saplings during the winter. Take a look around and see if you can spot where an animal has been. If you see a ragged cut sapling, a deer has been by for a nibble. A neat 45-degree slice? That’s the work of a rabbit.

Wildlife Tracking

If you have cabin fever, get out and take a hike. Make it a challenge, identifying wildlife tracks in the snow or muddy ground. For sample prints and other tips, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJm.

Southwest Region: Wolves, Predators of the Past and Present

Thursday, Jan. 31 • 6:30–8 p.m. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center • 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Registration required. Call 573-290-5218 starting Jan. 2. Ages 7 and older

Howls in the night, tracks in the mud… could it be a wolf? Missouri has far more coyotes and foxes, but a few wolves have been confirmed in Missouri. Researchers continue to learn more about how large predators can benefit Missouri and how to avoid conflicts with them. Representatives from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Endangered Wolf Center will share fascinating information on the latest wolf research and findings.

St. Louis Region: An Evening With Raptors

Friday, Jan. 25 • 8—9 p.m. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center 11715 Cragwold Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122 Reservations required. Call 314-301-1500 for more information All ages

Join us as we welcome back the Missouri falconers and their hunting partners! Falconry, a sport reported as early as 700 B.C.E., is still practiced today. Learn what falconry is and how to become a falconer. The evening will begin in the auditorium with a presentation on raptors and the art of falconry. Following the presentation, you will have an opportunity to meet and greet the birds and their hunting partners and see some of the equipment used in the sport of falconry.

Spring Forward

Start planning your spring native plant landscaping. Broadcast native wildflower seed right before a snowfall. Visit grownative.org for design ideas and plant sources.

Take Cover

Build an out-of-the-way brush pile. Not only is it a tidy way to clean up your brush, but wildlife will appreciate the cover during the cold winter weather.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Snowy owls may appear in Northern Missouri
• Foxes breed through March
• Harbinger of spring flowers

Call Before You Cut

5 Reasons to Cut Before You Call

1. Learn if harvesting is right for you and your woods
2. Harvest the proper trees to ensure a healthy forest
3. Find a trained logger for the job
4. Maximize timber sale income and save $$$ on taxes
5. Ensure your overall satisfaction with the timber harvest

Request a free informational packet about working with a professional forester to take care of your woods.

• callb4ucut.com
• 877–564–7483