Get Outside in September

Service Spiders

You may notice some webs popping up around your garden and home. The spiders weaving these webs are harmless — usually orbweavers and black-and-yellow garden spiders. Don’t knock these webs down in the hopes of shooing these spiders away. These spiders are helpful, known to reduce populations of insects that bug us while we’re trying to enjoy the outdoors, like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and more. So let them hang out! You’ll thank them for their service.

Until Next Year

A number of butterfly species, including monarchs and cloudless sulphurs, start flying south in late summer and fall. Chances are if you see one now, it may be the last time until next spring.

Guess Who is Coming to MO

The American white pelican! These immense waterbirds congregate at wetlands in the Show-Me State from late September through mid-October as they migrate south. It’s a great time to get out and catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds.

Let’s Get Nutty

If you are a fan of nuts, this is your season. Pecans, black walnuts, and hickory nuts, to name just a few, are ripe. Missouri nuts are a great addition to any recipe. If you need some culinary inspiration, visit MDC’s recipes online at short.mdc.mo.gov/4mN.

Poaching Hurts Missouri Wildlife 

And those who appreciate it as hunters, anglers, and nature watchers. Missourians can protect nature by reporting poaching to the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline.

If you witness or suspect a wildlife violation, report it to your local conservation agent or call the OGT 24-hour, toll-free number 800–392–1111. You may remain anonymous, and you may be considered for a reward.

Creature Feature: Eastern Milksnake

Tuesday, Sept. 17 • 2–2:30 p.m.

Online only

Registration required by Sept. 17. To register, call 888-283-0364 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4LP.

All ages

Meet one of Missouri’s most beautiful snakes, the eastern milksnake. Find out how they got their name and how they help us as we uncover the mysteries of this secretive snake.

National Hunting and Fishing Day

Saturday, Sept. 21 • 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Lake City Range, 28505 E Truman Road, Buckner, MO 64016

No registration required. Call 816-249-3194 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4Lm for more information.

All ages

Lake City Range is happy to open our doors to the public with a free day of shooting in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Everyone is welcome. Come hone your skills on the trap or skeet fields, archery fields, or on the rifle or pistol ranges. All shooters must provide their own archery equipment, firearms, and ammunition. We’ll see you on the range.

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.

• Elk begin bugling
• Three-toed box turtles enter overwintering retreats.
• White bass school.
• Chicken of the woods, a choice edible, appear.
• Hickory horned devils dig into soil.