Get Outside

Hiking: Timberdoodles and Spring Peepers

Saturday, March 14 • 6–9:30 p.m. (Registration required by March 13) OR Saturday, March 21 • 6–9:30 p.m. (Registration required by March 20) August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area 2360 Highway D, St. Charles, MO 63304 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 or register online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZmN for the March 14 event and short.mdc.mo.gov/Zmx for the March 21 event. All ages

Witness a “nature show” that belongs to one of the strangest members of the bird world, the woodcock, also known as timberdoodle. Also look and listen for one of the loudest singers of the amphibian world, the spring peeper. Includes a 1½-mile hike.

Flying Squirrel

Flying squirrels are fairly common throughout Missouri, but because they only come out at night, they are hard to see. To catch a glimpse of these furry gliders, place a bird feeder filled with seed on a tree so that the light from your porch will reach it. After dark, wait quietly by the window and listen carefully. When you hear a soft whump or some musical squeaks, flip on the light to reveal your visitor.

Welcome Home

Purple martins return to Missouri from their winter getaways in South America. These birds depend almost entirely on the nest boxes humans provide, so it’s time to raise those purple martin houses.

Babies on Board

Bald eagle chicks begin hatching in March. If you’ve been watching an eagle’s nest, grab your binoculars and see if there’s a new addition to the brood. Keep a respectful distance from the nest and try not to disturb the occupants.

Protect Pollinators

Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? This might sound odd, but it is sound advice when protecting pollinators. Like other wildlife, pollinators need cover and food. Much of what you would do for ground-nesting birds and small game would also benefit pollinators. In fact, you may already have pollinator habitat and not even realize it. To protect dormant pollinators, delay spring yard cleanup until mid April.

Southwest Region

All About Snakes Saturday, March 28 • 10 a.m.–noon Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO 65616 No registration required. Call 417-334-4865 for more information. All ages

What is that noise in the leaves? Could it be a snake? Learn why snakes make great neighbors. There will be opportunities to see and touch live snakes, including our famous two-headed snake Tiger-Lily!

Bull’s - Eye!

Nearly everyone — regardless of age, size, or physical ability — can succeed at archery. The Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) helps build stronger, more confident, and accomplished kids by teaching the basics of archery as part of school curriculum.

School archery programs:

• Improve school attendance
• Increase self-esteem
• Increase physical activity
• Appeal to all students

Plus, an Archery Equipment Rebate program and maintenance grants are available.

Bring the program to your school! Learn more at MDC.MO.GOV/MONASP

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Pawpaws begin blooming
• Muskies begin spawning
• Ticks appear
• Turtles become active
• Pileated woodpeckers drum to establish territories