Get Outside in August

Traveling in Packs

Purple martins arrive in Missouri in March and form large flocks in July in preparation for migration. These large flocks begin their fall migration in August, heading to warmer climates like Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the winter months. A flock of 30,000 purple martins was once recorded in Springfield. That’s a lot of baggage!

Crawling Across the Street

Did you know Missouri is home to tarantulas? Technically, there is only one tarantula native to Missouri — the Texas brown tarantula. They make their home in southern Missouri and you may catch a glimpse of them this time of year crossing roads. They are shy by nature, so best to look and let them be.

Skunks on the Loose

Young striped skunks begin foraging with their moms. To deter unwanted skunks on your property, make yards and outbuildings less accessible and attractive to them. Also, bring in pet food at night.

Returning Visitors

Blue-winged teal begin returning from the north and are commonly seen on marshes and in ponds and lakes, especially in open country. These dabbling ducks usually depart for spots south of the border before regular waterfall hunting season opens.

Get Your Nature Boost

Interested in exploring the outdoors, but unsure where to start? It’s as easy as stepping out your door! Join host Jill Pritchard from the Missouri Department of Conservation as she explores everything nature has to offer – from health benefits and wildlife viewing, to outdoor recreation and unbelievable conservation stories. Subscribe and get your own Nature Boost!

Download the podcast at mdc.mo.gov/natureboost

Discover Nature: The Buzz About Bumble Bees Virtual Program

Saturday, August 6, 10–10:45 a.m.

Online only. Registration required by August 6.

To register, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/45M or call 888-283-0364.

All ages

Big and often noisy, bumblebees are found all over our state and are a lot of fun to watch. Learn about our more common species and a few of the species of conservation concern. Naturalist Jordi Raos will discuss which plants you can add to your yard to benefit bumblebees and talk about a citizen science project called the Missouri Bumble Bee Atlas.

Special Event: Insect-O-Rama

Friday, August 12, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804

No registration required. For more information, call 417-888-4237 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/45Q.

All ages

Our annual celebration of insects and the important role they play in nature returns! Insects — they fascinate us, they bug us, they surround us, and they bite us. But what would a summer evening be like without them! Join insect specialists and enthusiasts for an evening devoted to discovering insects. Grab your entire family and participate in some creepy-crawly fun.

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

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• American badgers begin breeding
• Ironweed blooms
• Shorebirds migrate south