Get Outside in October

Nod to Nuts

Fall gets pretty nutty in Missouri. It’s time for all kinds of nuts — from black walnuts to pecans — to ripen. Get out there and get them while you can. Whereas Missouri nuts are a great addition to any recipe, from sweet to savory and even salads, humans aren’t the only ones out foraging for these natural goodies. Squirrels, deer, and many other animals are also nutty for Missouri’s bounty. 

Mushrooms of a Different Color

While you’re out admiring the beautiful fall colors of Missouri’s woods, don’t overlook the mushrooms. 

Large numbers of purple-gilled laccaria can often be found in the fall. Their purple color is beautiful to behold. They aren’t considered a choice edible and are better when combined with other mushrooms or strong flavors.

And you can’t let the Halloween season pass without looking for the orange clusters of Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms. These showy fungi form at the base of trees and should be enjoyed only for their looks. They are poisonous and should never be consumed. 

A Spider Worthy of the Season

Who needs fake spiders to decorate for Halloween when you have the real thing? Marbled orb weavers, also known as pumpkin spiders, are ready for the season. By October, they are as large as they will get, and they weave conspicuous webs where they catch and subdue the largest prey they can get. Quite a stunning sight! And sure to fit in with any Halloween décor. 

Binocular Bonanza

The winter resident birds are arriving and fall transient birds, or migrants, are passing through at peak numbers. Dust off those binoculars! It’s a great time to go birding. Here are just a few birds to get you started:

1. Sparrows
2. Dark-eyed juncos
3. Gadwall
4. American wigeon
5. Greater scaup
6. Northern pintail
7. Green-winged teal 

Looking for new places for youth hunting, fishing, and outdoor fun?

Check out Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) properties offering hunting and fishing opportunities just for youth 16 and younger. The MRAP Youth-Only properties are located on private land and are dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for kids under the age of 16.

To learn more about MRAP, including the rules and regulations, locations of MRAP properties, and to download property maps, visit mdc.mo.gov/mrap.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Mist flowers bloom.
• Field and house crickets chirp.
• Dekay's brownsnakes cross trails and roads.
• Woolly worm caterpillars look for overwintering spots.
• Beavers are busy during the day.