Get Out!

Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.

• Look up when you’re walking through the winter woods. Without leaves, it’s easier to spot the papery nests of bald-faced hornets. In summer, a nest may house 400 hornets. But in winter, only a few queens survive.
• Help biologists track birds by watching your feeder. Join Project FeederWatch at feederwatch.org.
• Keep an eye out for red admiral butterflies fluttering south for winter. The best place to spot them is in woody or grassy areas in the late afternoon.
• Catch a rainbow during the winter trout fishing season. For rules and where to go, cast a line to mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/trout.
• Few things are more exciting than chasing a barking beagle as it barrels through the brush after bunnies. Rabbit season runs from October 1 to February 15. For details, hop over to mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping.
• Pecans and hickory nuts fall from trees in early November. Pick up a pile — before the squirrels get ’em — and use the nuts to make yummy granola bars (see Page 18).

Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.