In Brief

Celebrate Missouri Trees

Commemorate Arbor Day by planting native trees, practicing proper tree care

Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 4. Missouri has been observing the state’s official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 25.

Get information on backyard tree care — including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more — at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3J.

MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are accepted through April 15. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNZ.

Communities around the state also hold local Arbor Day activities. For more information on Arbor Day and Missouri’s Tree City USA communities, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

Missouri forests cover about one-third of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and watersheds for stream and rivers. Spending time in Missouri forests can provide a natural health benefit, too. Exposure to nature contributes to your physical well-being, reducing your blood pressure and heart rate, relieving stress, and boosting your energy level. Get more information at short.mdc.mo.gov/4oT.

Celebrate the Outdoors in April

Spring in Missouri is magical. Days get longer and warmer. Woods come alive with budding trees and shrubs. Dainty wildflowers spring from the earth. Peepers are peeping, turkeys are scratching, coyotes are calling, owls are hooting, and birds are singing. This is the time of year to get outside and discover nature through hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, birding, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and other outdoor adventures.

Let the MDC website guide you on your outdoor excursions. Visit Find Things to Do at short.mdc.mo.gov/45Z. Visit Places to Go at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9o.

New MDC booklets Available 

Missouri hunters, trappers, anglers, and others can get free copies of our updated booklets on spring turkey hunting, hunting and trapping, and fishing at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more. The Wildlife Code of Missouri is available at MDC offices across the state.

Get booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage, or use these specific links:

• 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information at short.mdc.mo.gov/44t
• A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations at short.mdc.mo.gov/44v
• A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations at short.mdc.mo.gov/4gy
• Wildlife Code of Missouri at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8T

Be Bear Wise

Missouri is home to an estimated 1,000-plus black bears with most being in the southern part of the state. As spring gets underway, these magnificent mammals leave their winter dens in search of 
food. MDC reminds Missourians to “Be Bear Wise.”

MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is imperative that residents remove bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. 

“As black bears become active in the spring, they are on a mission to find food,” said Bowersock. “Keeping areas free of attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food.”

He noted that intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous as it makes the bears comfortable around people. It can also lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for a meal.

“When bears lose their fear of humans, they could approach people in search of food or may defend the food sources or territory they associate with people, which can make them dangerous,” Bowersock said. “When this happens, the bear cannot be relocated and has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Food is usually a bear’s main motivator, but that also means it can be a main source of conflict. MDC offers the following tips to avoid attracting black bears to possible food sources:

• Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container until trash pick-up day.
• Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
• Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.
• Refrain from using bird feeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.
• Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
• Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries, and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.

While black bears are generally a shy, nonaggressive species and bear attacks are rare, follow these tips when outdoors in bear country:

• Make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear.
• Travel in a group if possible.
• Keep dogs leashed.
• Be aware of the surroundings. If there is evidence of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.
• Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route.

Report bear sightings and post photos online at short.mdc.mo.gov/4gF. 

For more information on how to Be Bear Wise, visit bearwise.org and mdc.mo.gov/bearaware.

Makes 9–10 jars of jelly

Ingredients:

• 4 cups redbud tea
• 8 cups cane sugar
• 2 packets Sure Jell (1.75 ounces each)
• 8 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon butter (limits large foam build up when boiling)

Gather 4 cups redbud blooms. Rinse and place in a large bowl or jar. Cover with 4 cups of boiling water. Allow to cool in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Filter through a jelly bag. Bring the redbud tea to a rolling boil.

Add Sure Jell. Return to a rolling boil and continue stirring for 60 seconds.

Add sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Return to a rolling boil that can’t be knocked down by stirring and continue that boil level for another 60 seconds. Remove from heat.

Pour the mixture into pint or half-pint jars to within a half inch from the top. Wipe the rim of the jar clean and screw on the lid.

For refrigerated jelly: Allow the jars to cool and refrigerate. The jelly will last several weeks.

For stored jelly: For longer storage outside the refrigerator, prepare a hot water bath. Place a wire rack in the bottom of a canner or large pot. Fill the pot half-way with water and place on a burner set at medium to high. Once your jars have been filled and capped, transfer them to the pot. Add enough water to ensure the jars are covered by 1 to 2 inches of water. Continue heating to a boil. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and boil the jars for 10 minutes then turn the heat off. Remove the lid and allow the pot to cool for 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the hot water bath and place on clean towel to cool. After 12 to 24 hours, check each jar for seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed. If it does flex, simply move that jar to the fridge and use within 3 to 4 weeks.