Get Out!

Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.

• Scan the skies at twilight, and you might spot the fluttering flight of a bat bagging bugs in your backyard. The winged mammals can catch and eat up to 1,000 small insects in an hour.
• With nesting season at its peak, birds are working overtime to feed their babies. There’s no harm in watching them, but keep your distance. If you get too close, you might keep them away from their chicks.
• Listen for the musical trills of gray treefrogs on warm evenings. To find the well-camouflaged frogs, look around windows and porch lights. Treefrogs frequent these areas to feast on bugs attracted by the lights.
• Build a puddle for a thirsty butterfly. Put some sand and rocks in a pie pan, add water, and set it in a sunny spot where butterflies can find it.
• Take your parents fishing on free fishing weekend. On June 11–12, 2022, adults don’t need a fishing permit to wet a line (but everyone must follow all other fishing rules).
• Gather your friends and grab a jar. It’s time for a backyard bug hunt! Who can catch the most colossal creepy-crawly? Or the most colorful? Of course, after you get a good look, release each bug where you found it.

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