Xplor: August/September 2011

For end-of-summer fun, nothing beats a dove hunt.

Jacob Moore prowled the fields and creeks around his house looking for frogs, lizards and snakes. He wanted to be a reptile and amphibian biologist when he grew up.

Starry Night Dave Stonner reached the summit of Stegall Mountain at sunset. He’d been hiking since daybreak, up and down 15 miles of hilly Ozark terrain. The straps of his backpack, weighted by heavy camping and photography gear, dug into his shoulders. His feet hurt. His legs wobbled. Dave was tired.

Nature uses every nook and cranny—even the ground underfoot. Hidden from view but often just inches below the surface, animals search for food, raise their babies, escape the weather and hide from predators. Want to shed some light on these creatures of the underworld? Then watch your step, and let’s head down to nature’s basement.

This scientist searches streams for one of Missouri’s rarest fishes.

Will Winter be cold and snowy? Ask a Persimmon.

With summer winding down and autumn gearing up, there’s plenty to discover outside in August and September. Here are a few ideas to get you started.