Get Outside in June

Ways to connect with nature

World’s Most Popular Mushroom

Chanterelle mushrooms, probably one of the world’s most popular mushrooms, appear May through September. Look for them singly or in groups in moss, leaves, grass, on paths, and under oaks.

Missouri Gets Berry Fruity

Go nuts for berries. Wild gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries, and mulberries begin to ripen in June. These wild edibles make delectable pies, jellies, and other goodies. Be sure to leave some for the birds and other wildlife.

Who’s Calling?

Northern bobwhites call from fence rows. Listen for their distinctive bob-WHITE call this month.

Fawn Season

White-tailed deer fawns are born through early June. If you spot a fawn on its own, admire it from a distance or take a quick picture, and then leave it alone. Its mom will be back for it soon. Remember, always leave wildlife wild.

A Cricket or a Frog?

Listen for the northern cricket frog. Their breeding peaks in late June, and their call — a metallic gick, gick, gick — sounds like small pebbles being struck together rapidly.

Hiking: Bennett Spring State Park

Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804. Registration required by June 18 at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zza or by calling 888-283-0364. Ages 18 and older

Hike the 7.4-mile Natural Tunnel Trail at Bennett Spring State Park. Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is rated moderate to difficult. Meet at the Natural Tunnel Trail parking lot. Please remember to wear a mask and social distance.

Best of the Ozarks Virtual Series: Family Fishing

Tuesday, June 15, 10–10:30 a.m. Virtual. Registration required by June 15 at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZzR or by calling 888-283-0364. All ages

Dreaming of taking the kids fishing this summer? Join our virtual series Best of the Ozarks as we highlight some great places to go fishing in our area with your family. When registering, please provide an active email address in your profile as you will receive a link one day prior to the program.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Reconnect with Nature

Adventure can happen anywhere. Download the free MO Fishing app for great places to go fishing near you.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Young woodchucks disperse, making their own burrows.
• Common buckeyes arrive. They must repopulate each year.
• Fireflies flicker at dusk.
• Yucca moths are seen on blooming yucca flowers.
• Chimney swifts dart and glide over rooftops in early evenings.