Get Outside in June

Celebrate Missouri’s Rivers 

June is National Rivers Month. As the first day of summer approaches and the temperatures begin to rise, what better time to visit one of Missouri’s many rivers. Whether you are swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply spending a leisurely day sitting next to the water, it’s a great way to beat the heat. But this is also a time to think about the conservation and preservation of our rivers. Consider getting involved through trash clean-up or joining a local organization. Learn more at mostreamteam.org.

Nightly Party at the Porch Light

Did you know there’s a party going on just outside your door at night, right under your porch light? It usually consists of a variety of insects, all vying for time under that golden, bright porch light. It’s quite a scene! In the morning, you may see some stragglers from the night before, just hanging on the side of your house. Look for click beetles, scarab beetles, owlflies, and green lacewings, just to name a few. 

Good Services

Downy serviceberry is one of Missouri’s most popular native small trees for landscaping thanks to its pretty white springtime flowers, attractive summer foliage, handsome bark and branching habit, and gold, orange, green, and red autumn colors. The berries, which bloom from June through July, attract at least 35 different species of birds. Downy serviceberry is a great alternative to Callery — or Bradford — pear. MDC encourages the switch to this native tree.

Better with Butterflies 

Summer is a great time to appreciate butterflies, and there’s many ways to go about it. You can start a butterfly garden. You can watch and photograph butterflies. You can join a butterfly organization or get involved in community science projects. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/4Qt.

What’s That Sound?

If you are hearing a “song” for minutes at a time, but cannot distinguish if it is a cardinal, robin, wren, or even a frog, chicken, or cat, you may be listening to a gray catbird. These fine feathered soloists take to the stage — or dense foliage in shrubs and trees — and cobble together a variety of sounds they mimic, making it nearly impossible to distinguish at times.

As you get outside this month, take us with you! 

Download the MO CON Mag app to read this issue on your favorite device. Adventure can happen anywhere.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Yuccas bloom.
• Flathead catfish spawn.
• White-tailed deer fawns are born.
• Western ratsnakes lay eggs.
• Eastern kingbirds nest.