VOLUME 82, ISSUE 7, JULY 2021 MISSOURI SERVING NATURE & YOU CONSERVATIONIST G TIN HOO S & HERY ARC FISHING G BIKIN NG RGAZI STA WhenG IMMIN wasSW the last time you connected with nature? Nature is amazing. It also needs to be cared for to keep it thriving. Volunteers make a huge impact on conservation efforts in Missouri, from cleaning up streams and planting trees to helping people connect with E E IF L ILD W G VIEWIN NG UNTI H NG GI LOUN CAMPING G HIKIN & G NIN RUN nature. There are so many ways to give back while being out in nature and exploring Missouri.
It’s time to make that connection again, and Never Lose Touch.
For ways to reconnect with nature, visit mdc.mo.gov/NeverLoseTouch.
G TIN HOO S & HERY ARC FISHING G BIKIN NG RGAZI STA G IMMIN SW
E E IF L ILD W G VIEWIN NG UNTI H NG GI LOUN CAMPING G HIKIN & G NIN RUN MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST
JULY 2021 Contents VOLUME 82, ISSUE 7 10 ON THE COVER Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area : DAVID STONNER 16–35mm lens, f/11 1/15 sec, ISO 100
GOVERNOR Michael L. Parson
THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR Don C. Bedell VICE CHAIR Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln SECRETARY Mark L. McHenry MEMBER Steven D. Harrison
DIRECTOR Sara Parker Pauley DEPUTY DIRECTORS Mike Hubbard, Aaron Jeffries, Jennifer Battson Warren
MAGAZINE STAFF
MAGAZINE MANAGER 20 Stephanie Thurber EDITOR Angie Daly Morfeld ASSOCIATE EDITOR Larry Archer PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Cliff White STAFF WRITERS Bonnie Chasteen, Kristie Hilgedick, Joe Jerek DESIGNERS Red-tailed hawk Shawn Carey, Marci Porter PHOTOGRAPHERS Noppadol Paothong, David Stonner CIRCULATION MANAGER FEATURES Laura Scheuler mdc.mo.gov/conmag 10 Pick an Outdoor DEPARTMENTS Adventure 2 Inbox Hiking! Fishing! Camping! Bigfoot? 3 Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley Adventure awaits at one of Missouri’s more than 1,000 conservation areas. 4 Nature Lab by Matt Seek 5 In Brief Gray treefrog 20 28 Get Outside 30 Places To Go Download this Never Lose Touch issue to your Your guide to reconnecting 32 Wild Guide phone or tablet at with nature. 33 Outdoor Calendar mdc.mo.gov/mocon. Download for Android Inbox 2 Connect With Us! With Connect Farmington John Bales pollinators. on how to help people guide that articles print to continue Please make difference. a realize can we helping people are Your efforts [May, Page 22]. Bonnie Chasteen Need In Insects you for Thank NEED IN INSECTS 65102 MO CITY, JEFFERSON BOX 180PO CONSERVATIONIST MISSOURI us: to write or [email protected] Email and clarity. length for edited be may readers’ opinions and Submissions reflect Editor the to Letters
Missouri Conservationist Missouri @ /moconservation MDC_online @
moconservation
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July 2021 July
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PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 MO City, 180, Box Jefferson 573-815-7900 660-785-2420 via email via Jamison Jennifer 573-290-5730 . Ozark/West Plains: Ozark/West 636-441-4554 Louis: St. Joseph:Northwest/St. Southwest/Springfield: carp. It is smallmouth buffalo. smallmouth is It carp. and always will be. will always and my life, of apart been have trees much how about youngsters. agroup of by farm the at planted will be Nursery O. White George the from 100 of trees allotment yearly My part. alarge are in 1843) trees which of receive the Conservationist the receive Istill here. high fee avery pay to Ihave now but years, seven last the in Missouri free Ifished California. to moved we until in Missouri was it good how know Idid not any expectations. above are and pictures timely are articles the All time. all the better gets it and years, 40 over for your magazine received I have FISH TO PLACE AGREAT MISSOURI: on Pages 17on Pages and18 [ pictured fish the misidentified we June issue, In the CORRECTION issue. each of use good making We’re she’s teaching. classes and art online science in the andstories photos the uses often mother their issue, each we’re with done When magazine. your from them to Iread andstories photos the love andthey granddaughters, and6-year-old 4- my for provider childcare the been I’ve started, Conservationist the of afan been andhave a nonresident as Missouri hunting in northern deer enjoyed I’ve TOOL A LEARNING
Smallmouth buffalo Your article really made me think all the more more think me all made the really Your article (established farm family the to retiring I will be 417-256-7161 816-271-3100 417-895-6880 for years. Since the pandemic pandemic the Since years. for Suburban Salmon] Greg “Rudi” Rudroff Farmington Rudroff “Rudi” Greg and enjoy every issue. and enjoy every Mark Collinge Eagle, Idaho David Reader CA Lemoore,
Common carp as common common as commissioners mdc.mo.gov/ at form contact online our using anote Send Commissioner? a for Question a Have Missouri Missouri
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SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO: LARRY R. BECKETT; COMMON CARP: LANCE MERRY via email Bruce Paneitz 3 Duncan by Kathy dragonfly 2 via email Jason Rulo by Reservation Rockwoods Trail at Rock 1 |Green 3 1 Bedell | | Kingfisher by Kingfisher dasher Blue or include the hashtag #mdcDiscoverNature hashtag the include or Don Don flickr.com/groups/mdcreaderphotos MISSOURI CONSERVATION COMMISSIONERS
, via Flickr , via email [email protected] email in Missouri the Conservationist? Share your photos on Flickr at at Flickr on photos your Share , on photos. your Instagram Want to see your photos photos your see to Want , Harrison Steven Steven McHenry Mark Mark
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TAYLOR LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY The The Printed with soy ink soy with Printed NW, Street, C 1849 D.C. 20240. Washington, Interior, the of Department U.S. Rights, Civil of Office Rights, Civil Public or Chief, to (TTY), 800-735-2966 or 573-751-4115 (voice) 65102, MO City, of Jefferson 180, Box PO Department the to Conservation, directed be should Questions disability. or status, veteran ancestry, orientation, sex, sexual age, origin, national religion, color, race, their to regard Conserva of without individuals all Department to available Missouri is the of tion programs from benefit and in participate to opportunity Equal Missouri. of State the of Commission Conservation the by ©2021 Copyright 3249. or 3856 ext. 573-522-4115, Phone: 65102-0180. MO City, Jefferson 180, Box PO Circulation, to offices. entry additional at and Missouri, City, postage Jefferson at paid periodical Preferred notice. 60-day with it) on number subscriber the with label mailing (send address new and old both include must change address of Notification year. $10 per country of out year; per $7 state of out household); per (one residents Missouri adult to 3249. or Free 3856 4115, ext. SUBSCRIPTIONS 65102.) MO PO City, address: Jefferson (Mailing 180, MO Box City, Jefferson Boulevard, Truman West 2901 Conservation, of Department this is the issue for you. Check out Check for you. issue the is this Then summer? this outdoors grand out head the to and webs cob and physical some mental off shake to Ready rut? demic things. new learning of benefits physical and mental the all with especially hesitant, so been day. I’d why Iwondered of the rest the adventure shared our about laughed and relived new! We something trying yes, and, clues, difficult out figuring of rush thedopamine team, as a together working of fun The gain? what for lot of effort, a like seemed It just my normal. outside something unknown, something it was …and on aSaturday energy mental the exert to want Ididn’t Ithink escape. your to lead (hopefully) ally eventu will that clues of brain-racking out a number figure to minutes get you 60 where room escape an try to wanted friends Our thepandemic. before to since KC trip first — our friends some join to City Kansas upto headed Iwere and husband _ [email protected] PAULEY, PARKER SARA DIRECTOR you’ll wonder what took you so long. so you took what wonder you’ll room, escape the and me like to get it! Just Then, outdoor fun. your youas plan flowing juices brain get to the resources ful on 10 Page and
Missouri Conservationist Missouri Sound familiar? Have you found yourself in abit of apan in yourself found you Have familiar? Sound blast. atotal It story. was of the rest the confess now I’ll So I must admit I just wasn’t in the mood for a trip. My for atrip. mood the wasn’t in Ijust admit I must Never Lose Touch Lose Never (ISSN 0026-6515) is the official monthly publication of the Missouri Missouri the of publication monthly official the is 0026-6515) (ISSN with Front Up
Sara Parker Pauley Parker Sara on Page 20 — both wonder on 20 Page —both : Visit mdc.mo.gov/conmag Visit Pick an Outdoor Adventure Outdoor an Pick POSTMASTER
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LAB Nature 4 • • • • • Methods and Objectives Research like and disease. change climate to threats Isolated remnant populations are vulnerable at aGlance Study Milkweed Mead’s greenhouse.” their in seed the propagated City Kansas near Gardens “Powell she said. Kansas,” one in and Missouri in populations Service. Wildlife and Fish U.S. the and of Conservation Department Missouri the by funded (2011–2017) study asix-year led Briggler plant, gered state-endan and threatened federally of this tions of seed.” no source is there when especially extinction, local to susceptible larly particu are plants of rare populations isolated Small, won’t seed. produce they individuals, distinct ically genet other with cross-pollinate can they unless “But she said. for bloom to decades, continue may nants why. wild. the in milkweed Mead’s seen never you’ve likely prairie, of tallgrass remnant _ Recovery Mead’s Milkweed and management. wildlife forest, fish, improve to uses MDC research highlight we month, Each STATE-ENDANGERED SPECIES STATE-ENDANGERED
Adjust managementAdjust based on monitoring data bloom, and seedpod numbers stem, and survival seedling Monitor 4counties in 6sites to seedlings Transplant seedlings Propagate from seeds abundant sources Collect Missouri Conservationist Missouri “We started by collecting seed from high-yielding high-yielding from seed collecting by started “We popula remaining Missouri’s To strengthen help rem prairie isolated in plants milkweed Mead’s explained Briggler Malissa Botanist State Missouri Unless you own or manage a high-quality ahigh-quality or manage you own Unless
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July 2021 July
Chasteen Bonnie by - - - - - and ongoing an effective an effective Long-term monitoring of Mead’s the understand milkweed helps scientists monitoring monitoring practice for for practice restoration restoration identifies identifies Six-year efforts status of remnantstatus populations and guide future management decisions. study study populations are doing.” are populations how the understand really to monitoring long-term thought.” we than populations Mead’s our in diversity more genetic “showed had we Garden Botanical Missouri the by conducted study genetics But arecent a success. effort recovery Missouri’s call can go we to before there.” what’s of representation get better we’ll know we because year burn scribed a pre after survey only we “Now veys,” she said. year. next the for monitoring visible be wouldn’t they that meant which dormant, stay scheme,” broad she said. the over percent 40 roughly on.” hanging barely were weed milk of Mead’s populations knew we where places This gives her hope, but she notes that “it takes takes “it that butshe notes hope, her gives This way have a long efforts restoration admitted She sur do we when inform helped discovery “This would transplants the sometimes that added She of success, amount “a fair achieved team Her “six in seedlings the transplanted team Briggler’s • • Implications Management • • Results
Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZrJ at more Learn translocation efforts translocation Continue propagation and a prescribedafter burn monitoring, preferably repeated conduct more, or ayear for dormant remain may Because some transplants a prescribed burn seedpods appeared after and blooms, stems, More 40% of seedlings survived - - -
RESEARCHER: EMILY HORNER; INSET: JIM RATHERT NOPPADOL PAOTHONG
Foxglove beardtongue News and updates OF INDEPENDENCE DAY INDEPENDENCE OF THE OUTDOORS IN HONOR PATRIOTISM OF SIGNS FIND IN YOU TO ENCOURAGES MDC RED, AND WHITE, BLUE DISCOVER NATURE’S
from MDC from mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places more. and watching, wildlife photography, nature hunting, hiking, cooking, outdoor floating, camping, fishing, birdwatching, fun, nature backyard trails, on cycling include mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities at do to things mdc.mo.gov/field-guide at Guide Field them?online MDC’s find to Use where including animals, and fun, fishing, activities. outdoor andother backyard hike, a holiday during blue birdwatching, and white,
Get outdoors this Independence Day and try spotting red, spotting Day this Independence and try outdoors Get Need to findNeed places for adventures?your outdoor Visit your adventures? outdoor Find to kick-start suggestions Need plants Missouri other and these on information Want more started: you get to things some are Here • • • • • •
Male indigo buntings indigos false Blue egrets great White or beardtongues foxglovesWhite Red tanagers male summer flowers catchfly royal Red In Brief In . .
Indigo bunting
Summer tanager mdc.mo.gov . Offerings . Offerings
5 In Brief
CELEBRATE SAFELY As you celebrate this summer, MDC reminds you to be careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of Ask MDC fire that could cause a wildfire. Got a Question for Ask MDC? _ Send it to [email protected] Fireworks: Don’t light fireworks in areas where or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3848. the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area where fireworks are Q: We have noticed several being discharged. Check with local ordinances and of these being built in the authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. overflow from a lake. Can _ Outdoor Burning: Don’t burn during wrong condi- you tell me what type of tions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, creature builds these? and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. h These are crayfish Check with local fire departments regarding burn chimneys. bans. A person who starts a fire for any reason is Although aquatic critters, responsible for any damage it may cause. some crayfish species can be found far from surface _ Driving Off Road: Wildfires can start when dry waters. These burrowing Crayfish chimney fuel, such as grass, comes into contact with cata- species dig down to the water lytic converters. Think twice before driving into and table, sometimes up to 20 or threadlike structures made across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass feet! So, you’ll sometimes of protein, which adults use to or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a find them in unexpected attach to hard surfaces. Even if vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly places, such as prairies. a crayfish looks “clean,” some inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and A tell-tale sign of crayfish very small mussels may still be brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are appar- nearby are the “chimneys” attached. Numerous instances ent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on they create from excavated of crayfish with zebra mussels vehicles that are used off road. Check for the pres- soil. For more information attached have been reported. ence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. about this phenomenon, visit So, if a zebra mussel has already _ Making a Campfire: Clear a generous zone short.mdc.mo.gov/Zru. attached to a crayfish you are around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good using as bait, the chance exists distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, Q: If I catch crayfish in a it could be transferred to the kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. local lake infested with new lake or pond. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire- zebra mussels and use Because of this risk and extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, them for bait in another others, it’s always a great idea and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires local lake, will I still be to dump the complete contents each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s transferring zebra mussels? of a bait bucket several hundred just for a few moments. Can the crayfish themselves feet away from any lake, pond, carry zebra mussels? stream, or other body of water. _ Call for Help: Call 911 at the first sign of a fire h Regrettably, yes, crayfish getting out of control. can carry adult zebra mussels. Q: Two cardinals with These invasive, patchy, sparse feathers _ Report Forest Arson: Wildfires are sometimes set nonnative are exhibiting strange by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392- mussels have behavior at my feeder. 1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. “byssal With tail feathers and Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are threads,” wings outspread, they possible. pose crookedly with their _ Prescribed Fire: Fire used in the wrong way can beaks held open. They take
create disasters. Used in the right way, fire can help a seed now and then, but CRAYFISH CHIMNEY: LINDA HANSEN; ZEBRA MUSSELS: JIM RATHERT; NORTHERN CARDINAL: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG create habitat for wildlife. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, Zebra mussels visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.
6 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 Christine Hibler ST. CHARLES COUNTY CONSERVATION AGENT offers this month’s Northern cardinal AGENT mostly perch on the feeder’s the shade, they’re trying to stay cool edge. What’s going on? by not expending much energy. h This behavior is typical when As for these cardinals’ bedraggled ADVICE birds are hot and working to appearance, this happens to many thermoregulate. As they open their cardinals this time of year as they If you’re ready to get your mouths, they are panting in a way. molt their feathers. Some cardinals Scientists call this “gular fluttering” molt many of their head feathers at motor running and head because they are fluttering their once, making them appear bald. out on the waterway, it’s upper throat muscles to promote You can help birds keep cool best to brush up on boating heat loss. Birds can’t perspire, so to by providing a shallow basin of safety first. Always tell cool off they attempt to circulate hot water with a few rocks to serve as air away from their bodies instead. perches, perfect for a cooling oasis someone where you’re going, Lighter-colored birds may open their to splash and drink. Keep an eye on who’s with you, what time wings and spread their tail feathers water levels and clean out your bird you will return, and how to reflect light and heat away. All bath daily. to reach you. Also, leave birds may do the same to take For more information on how advantage of a cooling breeze. When birds stay cool, visit: fws.gov/ a contact number if your they laze around at your feeder or in midwest/news/StayingCool.html. return plans don’t work out. Be sure to have proper safety equipment on board, including a fire extinguisher and easily accessible life jackets for each person aboard (passengers under 7 must always wear a life vest). Make sure What your navigation lights IS it? are working and properly Can you illuminating. Finally, never guess this drink and boat. Always month’s have a designated boating natural wonder? operator. Time on the water is a great way to make The answer is on Page 9. memories, but safety and common sense are key. Have fun out there!
mdc.mo.gov 7 In Brief
Spotlight on WE ARE people and partners CONSERVATION by Angie Daly Morfeld
Bob and Barb Kipfer h When Bob and Barb Kipfer of Springfield purchased 400 acres on Bull Creek in 1995, they embarked on a much larger conservation journey. Working with MDC, they planted 2,000 trees to stabilize a 300-foot bank eroded by the 1993 flood. In addition to work on their land, the Kipfers are active members of the Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Chapter, volunteering more than 7,500 hours over the past 11 years.
Mentoring future conservationists They volunteer once a week at Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility, a Springfield-based nature school for fifth graders. They also partner with Missouri State University, allowing graduate research projects to take place on their property.
In their own words The Kipfers have made plans to donate their property to Missouri State Stream Team University for a research couple Barbara field station. “The trust and Bob Kipfer protects the property,” have been working Bob said. “As part of to improve the the trust, the land can’t bank on their be sold for 50 years.” property.
: by Noppadol Paothong
What’s your conservation superpower?
8 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 CECROPIA CATERPILLAR: © KCMATT | DREAMSTIME.COM; MOTH: © CATHY KEIFER | DREAMSTIME.COM been and remain allowed without the need for apermit. for need the without andremain allowed been have use non-commercial for andfilming our on areas Photography or videos. pictures personal taking or those videographers, and photographers “hobby” activities. “commercial use” as on our areas restricted been filmingand historically have photography for-profit Professional, activity. the with connection in exchanged is inmoney gain,financial where or areas. conservation on videography and photography commercial allow to andvideographers photographers from requests amidst come regulations new The permit. use commercial new a obtain they once and filmareas MDC on may photograph and videographers photographers 1, July professional Starting FILMINGAND ON CONSERVATION AREAS ALLOW PERMITS COMMERCIALNEW PHOTOGRAPHY expires on June 30 each year. each on June 30 expires $100 of fee annually. permit The an associated with on our areas tographers certain situations: certain day. per $500 of fee an associated with on our areas videography A or amateur agencies, news for required not are permits use Commercial results or indirectly directly that activity as any defined is use Commercial A Commercial photographers will also need a no-cost need will also photographers Commercial • •
Commercial Photography Permit Photography Commercial Commercial Videography Permit Videography Commercial Use of unmanned aerial system (UAS) or drone (UAS) system unmanned of aerial Use etc. roads, on non-public vehicles access, after-hour as such areas, on conservation allowed not normally activities for requested accommodations Special in Greek mythology. an AthenianCecrops, king Their name is from derived meals for their predators. provide sizable caterpillars they grow, cecropia moth As service. pruning natural a performs caterpillar moth cecropia the caterpillars, of of species thousands Like and lilacs. dogwoods, plums, apples, cherries, willows, maples, various including shrubs, and species of Missouri trees on morefeed than 20 caterpillars moth Cecropia CATERPILLAR CECROPIA MOTH WHAT
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IT? will be required for commercial pho commercial for required will be will be required for all commercial all commercial for required will be in in Permit Special-Use - 30 days for processing Commercial Videography Permits. Videography Commercial processing for days 30 and Permits Photography Commercial processing for days 10 business online at permits use commercial short.mdc.mo.gov/ZrY visit permits, 1. July effect into go regulations 2020. The December in regulations proposed the to final gave approval mission com the received, comments of areview 2020. Following in October period public comment 30-day for a of State Secretary the of Office the to MDC by submitted were regulations proposed the approval, mission com initial 2020. Following in September Commission Conservation structure. price the determine to state the andoutside within agencies other reviewed Our staff fees. associated with permits cial commer through filming and their areas on photography commercial Professional photographers and videographers can apply for MDC’s MDC’s for apply can andvideographers photographers Professional videography and photography commercial on information more For Missouri the by approved initially were regulations proposed The allow agencies land-management federal and state, county, Other • • •
staffed ranges, offices, and on the following department areas: department following the on and offices, ranges, staffed centers, and education nature with associated areas MDC On involved 10 are than more people When carry can person an average than larger props of Use Î Î Î Î
Rockwoods Reservation Rockwoods Area Wildlife Memorial Reed A. James Area Conservation Memorial Busch A. August Area Conservation Woods Oak Burr short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrg . mdc.mo.gov . Please allow allow . Please
9 - - - Pick an Outdoor Adventure by Matt Seek | illustration by Shawn Carey
HIKING! FISHING! CAMPING! BIGFOOT? ADVENTURE AWAITS AT ONE OF MISSOURI’S MORE THAN 1,000 CONSERVATION AREAS.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
fter a year of feeling cooped up, it’s time to pack that follows can also be found in Ju ly /Au gu st 2 0 21 up the family and hit the open road. In a first- the July/August issue of Xplor.* of-its-kind, cross-over event, Missouri Conser- Regardless of which version of vationist is sharing this summer of adventure the story you use, you can sit down with our sister publication for kids, Xplor, to help with your kids — or grandkids — Afamilies plan that outdoor adventure and begin making a and start planning that adventure SUMMER S HERE lifetime of memories. Using the classic “pick-an-adventure” of a lifetime. AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES’ AWAIT format and the many planning resources available from * If your child or grandchild doesn’t MDC, parents and kids — or adults without children — subscribe to Xplor, you can sign them up for it online at can sample the variety of outdoor opportunities available mdc.mo.gov/xplor. Like Missouri Conservationist, it is at MDC’s more than 1,000 conservation areas. The story free to all Missouri residents.
10 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 ALARM CLOCK: JESSICA DELP ON UNSPLASH 2 “Get dressed,” he says, “and meet me in the garage.” the me in “and meet he says, dressed,” “Get strange: something says unfazed, KNOCK! Knock! knock! ahollow makes it two, in neatly cracks limb the As branch. on a low-growing head hairy his up, he bonks he stands When chocolate. and out. point to it’s but greedy, feel you unwise slightly is this You think stick. onto his threaded marshmallows a dozen at least has Bigfoot of charred-ness. degrees various exhibiting marshmallows with astick holding each coals, glowing the h boxes had suddenly crashed onto the concrete floor. concrete onto the crashed suddenly had boxes of avalanche an if as garage, the from arumble something: in. ... sleep to plans big had you and break, summer day of first it’s the Saturday, remember to manages h h wherever you get your podcasts. your get you wherever Boost Nature of episodes Download wild? the to drive your on to listen to something Need to“things do.” for Search adventure. outdoor an for Your planning one-stop-shop Toolkit Trip Road
You open your eyes to find Dad standing in the bedroom. bedroom. the in standing Dad find to You eyes your open daylight.” We’re burning up sleepy-head. “Wake crackers he’s getgraham to some that going grunts Bigfoot What do you do? you do What hear you dreamland, to return to over you’re as Just rolling Go to 4. to Go gate. gate. investi You’d garage? better your ransacking be a robber Could cat. It’s the sleep. to just probably Plan to Stick Nature Boost mdc.mo.gov The clock on your dresser reads 5 a.m. Your foggy brain brain a.m. 5 foggy Your reads dresser your on clock The
Go to 2 to Go Go to 3. to Go from a deep and pleasant slumber. pleasant and adeep from . 1 green space aliens, and your brother sit around sit around brother your and aliens, space green little three Bigfoot, campfire. acrackling over upfor anap. curl and bed onto your lightly drop cat the you off, feel you’reas drifting Just covers. the under deeper You snuggle Zzz You dream about roasting marshmallows marshmallows roasting You about dream and go back back go and you aren’t sure what — has jolted you you jolted — has what you aren’t sure — Something shades. loaded window spring- like open snap Your eyelids
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Go to 13. to Go . paddles, backpacks, and hiking boots. As you stare, you stare, As boots. hiking and backpacks, paddles, canoe rods, fishing of clouds with swirls floor garage up,”“You’resays. Dad finally Go to 29. to Go
Go to 5. to Go You hear boxes scrape across the garage floor and and floor garage the across You scrape boxes hear silly. and harmless feels stick arobber-be-good as along bat you brought baseball The seems. idea hallway. the You down tiptoe He’s sitting in the eye of a gear hurricane. The The hurricane. of a gear eye the in He’s sitting The closer you get to the garage, the worse this this theworse garage, the to you get closer The hunting, or shooting. hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, including birdwatching, search to specific activities, Tailor centers. nature your and ranges, shooting to areas, conservation directions turn-by-turn get to app free this Use MO Outdoors mdc.mo.gov
11 You tap the camping button, and the “It’s got to be around here somewhere,” you say. screen displays a long list of conservation You found the beehive, indicated on the map by a areas. You had no idea there were so many 7 crudely drawn tree with bees buzzing around it. From places in Missouri where you could pitch there you stepped 50 paces north and found the next marker: a a tent! boulder shaped like a fish. Now, after carefully walking 30 paces By now, you’re strapped in to the due west — just like the map said — you can’t find anything. passenger seat, and Dad is pulling the car You’re standing in a cathedral of towering oaks. Moss out of the garage. “Where are we going?” he asks. carpets the shady ground. And everywhere you look are yellow, 5 “I think I’ve found the perfect place,” you say after scrolling trumpet-shaped mushrooms. It’s a stunning spot. But nowhere through several options. do you see any hint of buried treasure. h Go to 6. “I think we found it,” Dad says. What?! “Where?” He points to a mushroom at your feet. “Those are chante- relles, one of the tastiest mushrooms in the world. Somebody didn’t want to forget how to find this spot.” You reach down and pick it up. It smells earthy and a bit like apricots. Your brother has made his shirt into a basket and is already hard at work filling it with fungi. “I know what to do with these,” Dad says. “But pick just a few. Let’s leave most for next year — and for whoever drew the map.” h Go to 8. Chanterelles
The campfire crackles and embers dance in the night sky. Earlier, Dad cooked chicken with chanterelle mushrooms in foil packets over the glowing coals. You never knew something so simple could taste so good! 8 Now you’re roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Dad is holding a flashlight under his chin and telling a spooky story about a mushroom hunter who got taken by space aliens in It looks like you have the conservation area all to these very woods. Your brother, his face growing paler with every yourselves. You find a campsite near a gurgling sentence, keeps scooting closer to you. He hasn’t noticed his stream. After pitching the tent, you spread out to marshmallow is on fire. explore the surrounding woods. An owl hoots from somewhere in the woods, sending your 6 Birds call from the treetops. A gray squirrel scolds you from brother over the edge. He drops his burning marshmallow, a branch. Your brother finds a spotted salamander hiding under scrambles to the tent, and zips himself inside. After a s’more a rotting log. (or maybe it was three), you join him. Dad says he’s going to “C’mere,” Dad yells from the stream. “Look what I found.” sleep “under the stars.” He holds up a dirt-smeared bottle, pulls out the cork, tips h Go to 9. the bottle upside-down, and a rolled-up piece of paper falls out. You unroll the paper. It looks like a map. And just like in the movies, a black X marks the spot where treasure must be! “Look here,” Dad jabs a finger at the map. “This is that horse- shoe bend just upstream. And here’s the clearing where we’re camped. The X is only a half mile north.” A smile is starting to widen across Dad’s face. You know what he’s thinking, but what do you want to do? h Ahoy, matey! Let’s find some buried booty.Go to 7. h Whoever hid the treasure doesn’t want to share. Let’s pretend we never found the map. Go to 8.
12 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 CAMPFIRE: HANNAH MORRIS ON UNSPLASH; CHANTERELLES, AMERICAN BULLFROG: JIM RATHERT; FROG LEGS: CLIFF WHITE 10 9 right? Nevertheless you … you Nevertheless right? returns. darkness and off, flickers if it appeared, as suddenly as just Then, heavens. the to elevator an like pond from a nearby upward shines beam The of light. beam piercing a by sliced is darkness Suddenly, the bullfrog. acroaking is night. of the middle the in campground astrange in alone you h h h h he insists we join him. join we he insists body, his off of mud blobs drip As hunt. on afrog couple locals batteries.” fresh for car the to run I while flashlight this “Hold you. toward straight walk and water moonlit of the out splash in mud, covered afigure, see to time in just around or
You’re sure this isn’t the case. There’s no such thing as aliens, aliens, as thing There’s You’resuch case. no isn’t the this sure wails. brother your aliens,” by abducted been “Dad’s back calls that thing only but the times, out several You call he’s enough, gone.But sure leave never would Dad You’re mistaken. is brother your sure When he returns, Dad explains how he got invited to join a a join to how he got invited explains Dad he returns, When chin. his mud off wiping us,” says, join Dad youcould “Glad — is watching you from the shadows. You shadows. spin the from you watching —is something Why would I want to? Iwant would Why not? 11. to Go Why 12. to Go returns. Dad until awake stay tent and the in yourself Zip light. out the check to pond the to Sneak and his sleeping bag’s empty.” sleeping his and hiss. you “What?!” awake. you Your elbows brother “Dad’s gone,” he says. “I got up to use the bathroom, bathroom, gone,” the got up use to “Dad’s “I he says.
Go to 12. to Go get the feeling that someone — someone that feeling get the off.and on You flicker light bright same the see and voices muffled hear you shoreline, the approach you shadow. As your as brother your with pond You the to creep Go to 10. to Go
American bullfrog 12 11
Frog legs unfortunately, wins. unfortunately, frog. He, final for the brother your with paper-rock-scissors aren’tthey?” good, “They’re legs,” he says. frog like you’d know didn’t “I commenting. you’reture, for anything. ready adven night’s last but after for breakfast, chicken had never get home. But don’t you care. you —when twice —maybe bag sleeping your wash to need You’ll it. doing dirty so gotten and fun much so you’ve had never … and out s-l-o-w-l-y reach it, toward creep youto allows which the hopper, to hypnotize seems This face. its in right light the keep you a spot bullfrog, you When around. all flashlight it’s of fun. tons h h
CROAK! Even after you learn what they are, they’re so tasty you tasty so they’re are, they what you learn after Even before a couple wings you’ve down gobbled until waits Dad You finally manage to catch your limit of eight frogs. And frogs. eight of limit your catch to manage You finally your sweeping bank, pond muddy the You circle slowly Go to 12. to Go car. car. the into everything load and camp You strike Dad help Go to 38. to Go , the frog leaps deftly out of reach. deftly leaps frog , the bare hands takes skill — and a little luck. But luck. alittle —and skill takes hands bare your one with nab to enough close sneaking And of cola. can third his after brother your as jittery as are bullfrogs that learn You quickly
a cast-iron skillet. You’ve skillet. a cast-iron in wings chicken frying Dad tent find to the unzip You awake. you wrestles sleep. to off drift you and heavy, grow eyelids your Soon, The smell of smoke smell The mdc.mo.gov
13 - You tap the hiking button, and the screen dis- plays a long list of conservation areas. You had no You plant your toes in 13 idea there were so many places in Missouri where a couple of dimples on you could hit the trail! the wall and reach up to By now, you’re strapped in to the passenger seat, and Dad is grab an exposed tree root pulling the car out of the garage. “Where are we going?” he asks. growing above your head. h For an easy walk in the woods. Go to 14. Hiiisssss! That’s odd. Did the root just … h To the rooftop of Missouri. Go to 20. You realize, as your h Back in time. Go to 26. fingers curl around its scaly skin, that the root is not a root. It’s a black snake! And it seems offended that you just used 15it for a climbing hold. You tumble off the rock and land with an oomph! on your backside. The snake slithers into a rocky crevice. What do you do? h Run screaming back to the car. Go to 17. h What’s the big deal? It’s just a snake. Let’s keep hiking. Go to 18.
Western ratsnake
Despite your early start, the lot at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area Maybe choosing to sit beneath your brother is nearly full when Dad parks the car while he was climbing wasn’t your best idea. at the Bethany Falls trailhead. This But it worked out well for him. You hear must be a popular place. a squeal of surprise, and the next thing you The trail winds off into a shady 16 know, your brother is sprawled out on top of you. Oomph! forest, offering an escape from the sweltering sun. Bird calls “A spider crawled over my hand,” he says. “I think I’m done 14ricochet around the treetops. You spot a turkey and her gangly climbing for today.” poults scratching through leaf litter. Your brother finds a tree- h Go to 18. frog sleeping on the knobby bark of an oak. Eventually, the path disappears into a maze of rocks. You walk in and find yourself surrounded by head-high walls of limestone. With a grunt, Dad plops down for a sip of water. Your brother — who must be half-squirrel — immediately begins scram- bling up the face of a nearby wall. Do you join him? h Rock on! You’re a regular Alex Honnold. Go to 15. h You’ll leave the climbing to squirrels and little brothers. Go to 16.
Speckled wolf spider
14 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 You’re nearly back to the car before Dad catches up. “It’s just a snake,” he says. “It was more scared of you than you were of it.” 17 You’re not sure you believe him. “It’d be a shame to end our road trip so early,” Dad says. “Should we check out the nature center since we’re here?” h Why not? Go to 19. h You’ve had enough nature for now. Go to 38.
In the nature center, you explore a gurgling stream, 19 watch huge bass swim lazily in a 3,000-gallon aquar- ium, and get a closeup look at a toddler-sized woodpecker. At Dad’s urging, you attend a program where a guy who identifies himself as a “fly tier” — whatever that is — teaches you how to make a fishing lure out of yarn, some feathers, and a hook. The lure is called a woolly bugger, which you think sounds funny, but the tie guy assures you that fish will find it irresistible. As you’re leaving Burr Oak Woods, Dad says: “I know where we could try out these woolly buggers. Wanna go?” h Why not? Go to 30. h I’m beat. Maybe another time? Go to 38.
Maybe choosing to sit beneath your brother while he was climbing wasn’t your best idea. But it worked out well for him. You hear a squeal of surprise, and the next thing you 16 know, your brother is sprawled out on top of you. Oomph! “A spider crawled over my hand,” he says. “I think I’m done White-tailed deer climbing for today.” h Go to 18.
After a short water break, you continue hiking. The trail passes through a prairie dappled with wildflowers. You watch a doe and her twin fawns graze in a grassy savanna. By the time you circle back to the parking lot, your walk in the woods has left you content and relaxed. 18 “Should we check out the nature center since we’re here?” Dad asks. h Of course! Go to 19. h WESTERN RATSNAKE, WHITE-TAILED DEER, PRAIRIE: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; WOLF SPIDER, SPOTTED BASS: JIM RATHERT; FLY TYING STATION: CLIFF WHITE You’ve had enough nature for now. Go to 38. Spotted bass
mdc.mo.gov 15 At Ketcherside Mountain Conservation You raise your arms above your head to look as big Area, you shoulder your heavy backpack and 22 as possible and back up slowly. In what you hope is 20 step onto the Ozark Trail, a nearly 400-mile- a firm voice, you squeak out: “Get lost bear!” long path that crosses some of the most rugged and beauti- The bear takes your advice and bolts off into the brush. You ful wilderness in the state. Soon, you’re zigzagging steeply hear vegetation crash as it keeps running. At least now you uphill, huffing and puffing with every step. What did you get know what made those huge footprints! yourself into? When your heart returns to normal speed, you tell Dad what A thunderstorm blew through overnight, leaving the trail happened. damp. At one point, you look down and glimpse a huge foot- h Go to 23. print smudged in the mud. Someone — someone barefoot and with huge feet — had walked this way earlier. “Look what I found!” Dad’s voice makes you jump. You were remembering a strange dream you’d had about Bigfoot. You continue hiking, keeping an “Blackberries!” Dad says. “They’re eye out for bears. The white everywhere.” OT trail markers lead you Your brother is already stuffing under towering shortleaf his face with berries. You pop 23 pines and forests of oaks and hickories. At one one in your mouth. It’s juicy and point, you stop to explore a sun-filled glade. sweet. Hoping to find more, you Your brother’s sharp eyes spot a lichen walk around a bend in the trail … grasshopper, nearly invisible against and come face-to-furry-face with a the rocks, and you catch a glimpse of a black bear. colorful collared lizard dashing into a What do you do? Blackberries crevice among the stones. h Run! You don’t have to outrun the Eventually, you reach a fork in the bear. You just have to outrun your trail. Dad takes out his map, examines brother. Go to 21. it, turns it upside down, scratches his head. “Which way should we go?” he asks. h Back away slowly. Go to 22. h Left. Go to 24. h Right. Go to 25. Eastern collared lizard Before you can turn and run, the bear gives a huffy snort and bolts off into the brush. You hear vegetation crash as it keeps running. At least now you know what made 21 those huge footprints! The left fork of the trail When your heart returns runs mostly downhill. to normal speed, you tell Thank goodness! Dad what happened. He After about a mile says that if you ever of walking, you hear a meet another bear, strange roar. It’s not a it’s much safer to bear — you’re sure of back away slowly. that — but the farther you walk down the trail, the louder the h Go to 23. 24 roar becomes. You’re well ahead of Dad and your brother. You wonder if they hear it. You walk slower now, not sure you want to discover what’s making the noise. When you do, you’re both shocked and delighted. Water rushes through a series of chasms, cascading over the hillside, to crash against rocks several stories below. You notice American a nearby sign. It says this is Mina Sauk Falls, and at 132 feet black bear tall, it is the highest waterfall in Missouri. When Dad and your brother catch up, the three of you scramble carefully down the rocky hillside to the base of the waterfall for selfies. h Go to 25.
16 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 Ugh! Unfortunately for your aching calves, the trail rises uphill. You plod on, past rocky overlooks with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 25 Thankfully, you don’t walk far before you reach the top of the hill. A plaque on the side of a granite boulder proclaims you’ve summited Taum Sauk Mountain. At 1,772 feet, this is the highest point in Missouri. You climb atop the boulder, and — at least until Dad joins you — you are the tallest person in the Show-Me State. After some selfies to record your summit, it’s a short, fantas- tically flat, walk to the trailhead. You’ve spent nearly the whole You continue hiking, keeping an day hiking, and though your legs are tired, you feel peaceful and eye out for bears. The white content. Dad says, “Should we head home or find somewhere OT trail markers lead you to camp?” under towering shortleaf h You’ve had enough nature for today. Let’s head home. pines and forests of oaks and hickories. At one 23 Go to 38. point, you stop to explore a sun-filled glade. h Your brother’s sharp eyes spot a lichen How could you pass up a crackling campfire and s’mores? grasshopper, nearly invisible against Go to 6. the rocks, and you catch a glimpse of a colorful collared lizard dashing into a crevice among the stones. Eventually, you reach a fork in the trail. Dad takes out his map, examines it, turns it upside down, scratches his head. “Which way should we go?” he asks. Taum Sauk h Left. Go to 24. Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie h Right. Go to 25. You’re nearly back to the car before Dad You have to look waaayyy catches up. into the distance to find a 27 “It’s just a snake,” he says. “It was more tree at Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie scared of you than you were of it.” Conservation Area. You spray You’re not sure you believe him. your clothes with bug repel- “It’d be a shame to end our road trip so early,” Dad says. “How lent, slather on sunscreen, snug bout we find somewhere to camp?” down your baseball cap, and step into an ocean of wildflowers. h Why not? Go to 6. 26A refreshing breeze sends waves rippling across the tall grasses. Prairies once covered 15 million acres of Missouri — about h You’ve had enough nature for now. Go to 38. a third of the state. Today, fewer than 51,000 acres remain. Exploring one of these unplowed grasslands is like going back in time to before the Show-Me State was settled. An app called iNaturalist helps you identify what you see: Big The iNaturalist app says you’ve found a bluestem grass grows high over your head. The delicate petals bullsnake. Apparently these harmless of a pale purple coneflower remind you of a ballerina’s tutu. reptiles can grow to be more than 6 feet Compass plant’s spiky leaves almost always point north and long! You give the cranky snake plenty south — how cool is that! Your brother runs hither and yon, 28 of room and walk around it. swinging a butterfly net. He returns periodically to show off You explore the prairie a bit longer, but eventually the what he’s caught: a pipevine swallowtail … a monarch … a great scorching sun forces you back to the car. spangled fritillary. “It’d be a shame to end our road trip so early,” Dad says. “How Your nose is buried in iNaturalist when you hear a loud, ’bout we find something else to do?” hoarse hiiissss! Under a clump of Indian grass is a huge snake, “I know just the thing,” you say. “Let’s go … “ coiled as if to strike. What do you do? h “Camping.” Go to 6. h Run screaming back to the car. Go to 27. h “Fishing.” Go to 34.
BLACK BEAR: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; OTHERS: JIM RATHERT h What’s the big deal? It’s just a snake. Go to 28. h “Home.” Go to 38.
mdc.mo.gov 17 You tap the fishing button, and the screen You tie on a woolly bugger, cast it into the tail displays a long list of conservation areas and of a rocky riffle, and watch the current drag 29 river accesses. You had no idea there were so 32 the lure into a deep pool. You let the bugger many places in Missouri where you could wet a line! sink for a count of five then begin pulling it back with a jerky By now, you’re strapped in to the passenger seat, and Dad is stop-start motion. Just when you’re about to cast to a new pulling the car out of the garage. “Where are we going?” he asks. spot, you feel a sharp tug. h Fly-fishing on a cool Ozark stream.Go to 30. Your rod bends into a horseshoe. Suddenly, a smallmouth bass is splashing at the surface, trying to throw the hook from h “Big game” fishing.Go to 34. its mouth. Your brother, noticing the commotion, wades over with a landing net. The bass swims to deeper water, and you let it go. When it runs out of steam, you reel it in slowly, and your brother cradles it with the net. After Dad snaps a photo, you slip the hook out of the small- mouth and let the bronze-colored fish swim out of your hand. h Go to 33. Smallmouth bass
Your canoe drifts silently in the swift current of the Eleven Point River. Tendrils of mist 30 curl out of the cold, clear water. A wood duck, The rest of the day is a blur of catching trout and startled by your sudden appearance, squawks as it bursts into 33 smallmouth, running the canoe over rapids and flight. riffles, and cooling off with dips in the river’s cool, spring-fed Dad steers the canoe toward shore and beaches it on a gravel pools. All in all, a perfect day. bar. This section of the river, from Greer Spring Branch to At the takeout ramp, Dad asks, “Should we head home or Turner Mill, is a Blue Ribbon Trout Area. Catching a finicky find somewhere to camp?” rainbow from these waters will be tricky. h It’s been a blast, but you’ve had enough nature today. Dad reaches into his fishing vest, pulls out a fly box, and Go to 38. opens it with a flourish, as if it were a menu at a fancy restaurant. h “What’s for dinner?” he asks. Which lure do you choose? How could you pass up a crackling campfire and s’mores? Go to 6. h An Adams dry fly. Go to 31. h A woolly bugger. Go to 32.
You tie an Adams to the end of your line 31 and cast it out into the calm water behind a large boulder. The fly lingers there for a moment until the current starts to tug it toward swifter wa- ter. Just when you’re about to cast to a new spot, you hear a soft sip and see the fly disappear into the depths. Woolly bugger Your rod bends into a horseshoe as the trout dives. You lift up to put pressure on the fish, and suddenly it reverses course and starts jumping at the surface, trying to throw the hook from its mouth. Your brother, noticing the commotion, wades over with a landing net. The fish goes deep again and you let it go. When the trout stops running, you reel it in slowly, and your brother cradles it in the net. After Dad snaps a photo, you slip the hook from the trout’s mouth and let the silvery fish swim out of your hand. h Go to 33. Brown and rainbow trout
18 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 SMALLMOUTH BASS, STRIPED BASS: LANCE MERRY; WOOLLY BUGGER: CLIFF WHITE; TROUT: JIM RATHERT; BULL SHOALS: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG 34 35 h h h Was that anibble? Was that line. on your atug feel you instant same at the Almost rise. to wait. You and forty. reel feet, the set … spot the is this water. it Maybe the into drop and hook them. catch to love anglers one reason is —which pounds 65 record is Missouri — the sizes ginormous to grow can Stripers sea. the to atrip without even here, flourished have they 1998, and in Shoals Bull into fish saltwater these released stocking accidental An spawn. to rivers to return and ocean, the in lives adult their water, spend fresh in born they’re salmon, Like coast. Atlantic the along are here. You’re …larger for here something catch, remove the hook, and return the striper to the lake. the to striper the return and hook, the remove catch, your with aselfie take You 20 pounds. beauty, quickly at least boat. the beside splashing is striper ahuge, torpedo-shaped soon and fish you’ve the says Dad got land to horizon. on the now appeared ready. at net the you, beside Your stands brother returns. then away,Speeds rises. then dives, fish The the reel. off screams
Suddenly, you hear a crack of thunder, and the wind begins begins wind the and of thunder, acrack Suddenly, hear you thirty feet, depths. the Twenty into slowly sinks bait The onto a shad You another luck. slip any But youaren’t having waters home Their Missouri. to aren’t native bass Striped Dad helps your brother net the fish. It’s a huge, silver-sided It’s fish. silver-sided a huge, net the brother your helps Dad you reel, yard by tire. Yard to starting is fish the Luckily, have clouds Angry minutes. fish 10 solid Youfor a the fight Go to 37. to Go storm. the beat to motor in better We’d No, wind. it’s the just HOOK! THE SET YES! now . Go to 36. to Go
dump truck — you aren’t sure which. aren’t —you sure truck dump — or a striper a You’ve hooked definitely Your rod bends into a horseshoe, and line line and a horseshoe, into Your bends rod Go to 35. to Go
bass, but they aren’t you’re why but they bass, You’ve largemouth afew caught true. not exactly that’s Well, abite. without for hours Lake Shoals Bull at You’ve fishing been .
Bull Shoals Lake - 36 37 38 find somewhere to camp?” to somewhere find Whew off. towel ramp on the far shore. far on the ramp boat the toward angles Dad as lake wind-churned the across lake. the to striper the return and the hook, remove catch, your with aselfie take quickly pounds. beauty,20 You at least It’s fish. silver-sided a huge, the boat. the beside splashing is fish a huge, torpedo-shaped soon and reel, you Yard yard by in. bass the bring to begin you burn, to starting are arms your Now, as just engine. the with ready. at net the you, beside stands brother Your away, returns. then Speeds rises. then dives, fish The reel. which. — aren’tyou sure truck — or a dump you’ve a striper hooked
as an editor for MDC. for editor an as camping,he works fishing,or hiking, isn’t he When aliens. space or Bigfoot found has never but Missouri across areas of conservation hundreds has explored Seek Matt h h h sleep in.” sleep
As you’re driving away, Dad asks, “Should we head home head we or “Should away, asks, Dad you’reAs driving Luckily, Dad gets the engine to start. The boat bounces bounces boat The start. to engine the gets Dad Luckily, net brother your help to enough long tinkering stops Dad tinkers Dad while minutes fish 10 solid Youfor a the fight the off screams line and ahorseshoe, into Your bends rod “Sure,” Dad says. “But not next weekend. I’m planning to I’m planning weekend. not next “But “Sure,” says. Dad yousay. again,” this do “Let’s crackling campfire ands’mores? 6. to Go campfire crackling a up storm’s pass you over. to blow going could This How No thanks. rain? the In 37. to Go
Dad trailer the boat, then jump in the car and and car the in jump then boat, the trailer Dad up. You open heavens help the and of thunder there’s ramp, acrack boat the reach you as Just ! You barely made it. ! You made barely zon. And to make things more complicated, more complicated, things make to And zon. hori on the appear clouds Angry sputters. only key, boat’s but the engine the turns Dad weekend. done this you’ve and seen things amazing the all about home, think you drive the On — T he Go to 38. to Go E nd — nd mdc.mo.gov
Striped bass
19 - Never YOUR GUIDE TO Lose RECONNECTING WITH Touch NATURE
20 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 As the stress and struggles of life increase, we long for simpler times and happier moments. Nostalgia, or a sentimental longing and affection for days gone by when we felt happy, has been shown to counteract anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. For many of us, we are nostalgic about nature because it’s how we spent time as a kid. We jumped in puddles, shared stories around campfires, and chased fireflies on summer nights. We dug up worms for fishing and spotted squirrels for hunting. We came inside smelling like fresh air and pure happiness. But then we grew up. We got greater responsibilities and bigger dreams, and both, unfortunately, came with less free time. Sometimes we juggle so many projects and priorities that days — maybe weeks — go by before we even look outside, much less go out to play. We are burned out, stressed out, and scheduled out. We inch along like this, year after year, even though we desperately need an intervention. What if nature is the answer? Nature has all the “cares” perfectly packaged together — self-care, family-care, team-care, and community-care. We are the only missing piece. We need to reconnect to nature just as much as nature needs us to care and conserve it. In Greek, nostalgia is derived from the compound word that means homecoming. It’s like nature is welcoming us home again after a long, hard season. Even with schedules getting back to normal and packed full already, nature wants you to stay connected and to never lose touch. This is your guide to experiencing nature, including fresh air and pure happiness (we hope!), with wonderful memories for the making. Take a deep breath and enjoy.
mdc.mo.gov 21 SWIMMING STARGAZING BIKING FISHING ARCHERY & SHOO TING
RUNNING & HIKING CAMPING LOUNGING HUNTING VIEWING W ILDLIFE
SWIMMING STARGAZING BikingBIKIN Gtips FISHING ARCHERY & SHOO TING Biking is a great way to get your daily dose of nature. Make sure to watch out for tree roots, branches, and other cyclists when riding.
BEFORE YOU GO O Carry water O Wear a helmet O Check the weather before heading out O Carry ID RUNNING & HIKING CAMPING LOUNGING HUNTING VIEWING W ILDLIFE CHECK OUT THESE AREAS WITH YOUR BIKE:
1
4 9 2 3
5 6 8 7
Health benefits of nature 1. The1 Urban Urban Trail (St. JosephTrail Trail System) Reaping the benefits of nature can be as easy as spending time in your own 15.82 Rock miles Island Spur of KTSP 3 Katy Trail backyard. MDC recommends taking a dose of nature at least once a day to 2. Rock4 MKT Trail Island Spur 52.55 Frisco miles Highline Trail refresh and de-stress. Here are five ways it helps: 6 Ruby Jack Trail 3. Katy7 Wolf CreekTrail Trail State Park Cape LaCroix Trail 239.6Great Riversmiles Greenway 4. MKT Nature and Exposure Spending Getting away Feeling Taking a Fitness Trail to nature time in from busy tired? nature walk 9.3 miles reduces blood nature, schedules Spending may increase 5. Frisco Highline Trail pressure, conservation allows just 20 attention 37.6 miles heart rate, areas, woods, people to minutes spans and 6. Ruby Jack Trail muscle backyards, connect with outside can creative 16 miles tension, and urban nature and give your problem- 7. Wolf Creek Trail and the parks may themselves brain an solving 10.7 miles production ease stress in a way that energy boost skills by as of stress levels. brings calm comparable much as 50 8. Cape LaCroix hormones. and a sense to a cup of percent. Recreation Trail of well-being. coffee. 4.4 miles 9. Great Rivers Greenway 128 miles IDEAS FOR HOW TO CONNECT: Connect with the outdoors by planting native plants, reading Learn more about a book in a hammock, or hanging a hummingbird feeder. Enjoy bicycling on MDC areas at nature at a park by having a picnic, throwing a frisbee with some pals, short.mdc.mo.gov/Zr9. or simply by getting in some steps with your four-legged friend.
22 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 Capture the memories Unless you’re a professional photographer, there’s a good chance your camera gear is limited to a smartphone. But that won’t prevent you from capturing great outdoor moments. MDC nature photographer David Stonner offers these helpful tips for how to use your phone’s camera to capture memories.
Find the right Pay attention to Keep your distance Remember the rule light. You can the background. from wildlife. When of thirds. Take the really enhance Even I accidentally I’m hiking with a camera frame and the quality of your mess up now and normal lens that divide it into thirds Cell phone technology pictures if you can then, where I have a doesn’t have an horizontally and is incredible. It was get the right light. tree branch coming extensive zoom, in vertically, so you unfathomable five or The golden hour out of somebody’s the spirit of keeping end up with nine definitely 10 years ago the is right around head, or power my distance, I’ll squares. If you can quality of pictures that we sunrise or sunset lines going through try and just make put the subject at can now get out of phones. when the light the middle of my an environmental the intersection of The limitations of the gear drops real low in picture. I was so picture with the two of those lines are still there with a cell the sky. Everything focused on the animal as a focal rather than right phone, but now you can starts to glow flower or the furry point within the in the center, it quit worrying about the and the shadows animal that I failed broader landscape. tends to enhance technical aspects so much aren’t as harsh. to pay attention And sometimes the dynamic feel and just start focusing on So searching out to everything else. those are more of the photograph. the artistic aspects. It frees the right light and Little details like impactful and Details like that up a lot of room to explore interesting angle that can make effective than just can help enhance and experiment visually. on your subject is a difference. the portrait. Which the unspoken far more important proves that you feeling of how the MDC Nature Photographer than whatever don’t always need image affects you. David Stonner equipment long lenses to get you’re using. wildlife pictures.
FIND WHERE TO GO Finding places to make memories in nature is easy with the free mobile app MO Outdoors. Users can quickly find MDC places close to home for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, camping, or hunting. Available in Android or iPhone platforms at mdc.mo.gov/ mooutdoors.
mdc.mo.gov 23 SWIMMING STARGAZING BIKING FISHING ARCHERY & SHOO TING
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE Wild animals are wild, and safety is always the first priority.
BINOCULARS HELP RUNNING & HIKING CAMPING LOUNGING HUNTING VIEWINWildlifeG W ILDLIFE Choose binoculars that can be adjusted and also have watching tips central focusing to adjust for various distances. Wildlife viewing in Missouri can be done anywhere from your backyard to a conservation area. See TAKE A GUIDE if you can identify these Missouri wildlife when If you’re out birding, a trusty you’re out exploring. Because you won’t see ALL bird field guide is a must. Check of these amazing creatures in one place, you’ll just out a few field guides from have to get back out in nature again and again. your local library and see which Follow these tips for even greater success. works best for you.
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24 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 1. Great horned owl 2. Elk 3. Eastern cottontail 4. Eastern bluebird 5. Wood duck 6. American black bear ID WHAT 7. Bald eagle YOU SEE 8. North American river otter Check out our 9. Eastern pondhawk dragonfly online field guide 10. Red fox to help identify 11. White-tailed deer 17 other Missouri 12. Giant swallowtail butterfly wildlife at 13. Monarch butterflies mdc.mo.gov/ 14. Three-toed box turtle field-guide. 15. Wild turkey 16. Northern bobwhite 17. Red-headed woodpecker 13
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mdc.mo.gov 25 Hang out in nature Hammocking can reduce stress, improve sleep (nap time!), and improve your focus. It’s also a great activity for any age. The gear is simple and easy to set up, and you can hammock almost anywhere — even in your own backyard.
HERE’S A FEW TIPS FOR HANGING OUT: Pick the right place. Check to make sure hammocking is allowed, if in a park or public area. Set up at least 200 feet away from any water source, LOOKING and be mindful of leave no trace principles. FOR A Select healthy trees at least 6 inches in diameter, with NEW no dead branches or wildlife to disturb, and use nylon/ PLAYLIST? polyester tree-saver straps to hang your hammock. Check out our Secure your hammock about a 30-degree angle Hammock between the strap and ground, having the bottom Time Playlist of the hammock about 18-inches off the ground. on Spotify when you find Listen to nature sounds around you, or your that sweet favorite music playlist, to help you relax. Reading hammocking and sleeping are also great hammock activities. spot.
THE PERFECT PODCAST DOES EXIST Join Nature Boost host Jill Pritchard as she explores everything nature has to offer — from health benefits and wildlife viewing, to outdoor Take a nature bath recreation and The Japanese have been practicing shinrin-yoku or forest bathing since the 1980s. No, unbelievable conservation we are not asking you to get naked in the woods. It’s more about simply unplugging and stories. Subscribe breathing in the natural world around you. and stream on Forest bathing doesn’t necessarily take a forest. Even a small patch of woods or Apple Podcasts, local park will do. The key is to find a quiet spot to yourself. Silence your phone, find a Spotify, or comfortable place to sit if you like, and take some slow, deep breaths. Clear your mind wherever you listen to of distractions and use all your senses to take in the sounds, smells, and sights of your favorite nature — everything from the daylight streaming through the trees to velvety moss on podcasts. rocks and the chatter of birds and other wildlife. Relax and let nature wash over you.
26 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 G TIN HOO S & HERY ARC FISHING G BIKIN NG RGAZI STA G IMMIN SW
Never lose snacks When you’re out spending time in nature, chances are you might need a snack. Customize the trail mix of your dreams to conquer E E IF L ILD W G VIEWIN NG UNTI H NG GI LOUN CAMPING HikingG HIKIN & G tipsNIN RUN those mid-hike munchies with the ingredients below. Hiking is a great way SALTY AND CRUNCHY SWEET AND CHEWY to get out and discover nature. It can be enjoyed Nuts such as peanuts, Dried berries such as cranberries, by people of all ages almonds, cashews, cherries, or blueberries pistachios, or pecans and ability levels. Dried fruit such as raisins, apples, Seeds such as pumpkin pineapples, papaya, or mangoes or sunflower seeds HOW TO PREPARE Candy-coated milk chocolates O Wear comfortable shoes Banana chips or peanut butter candy O Plan to layer your clothing Mini pretzels, sesame Butterscotch or chocolate chips O Pack water and a light snack sticks, or cheese-flavored (white, dark, or milk chocolate) crackers BRING Mini marshmallows Granola or oat, rice, O Camera and binoculars Yogurt-covered raisins or wheat cereal O Guides to identify birds, or peanuts tracks, and wildflowers Mini graham crackers O Family and friends G TIN HOO S & HERY ARC FISHING G BIKIN NG RGAZI STA G IMMIN SW CHECK OUT HIKING OPPORTUNITIES AT:
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4 5 1 E E IF L ILD W G VIEWIN NG UNTI H NG GI LOUN CAMPING G HIKIN & G NIN RUN Give back Nature needs to be cared for to keep it 1. 1BusiekBusiek State State Forest Forestand Wildlife Area thriving. The good thing is there are many 2andBethany Wildlife Falls Trail Area 3 Engelmann Woods Natural Area ways to contribute to the conservation 418Millstream miles Gardensof hiking Conservation trails Area 2. 5BethanyPeck Ranch ConservationFalls Trail Area at community. Here are just a few ideas to 6 Runge Conservation Nature Center 7BurrBig Creek Oak Conservation Woods Area Nature get you started: Center 1.33 mile hiking trail Find a local Stream Team at 3. Engelmann Woods mostreamteam.org. Volunteers can Natural Area monitor water quality, stabilize stream 1.5 mile hiking trail banks, and plant streamside trees.
4. Millstream Gardens Participate in a bird count. Experienced Conservation Area birders can become citizen scientists 2 miles of hiking trails by helping with the National Audubon 5. Peck Ranch Society’s annual Christmas bird counts. Conservation Area Find out more at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrj. 2.5 mile section of the Ozark Trail Plant natives. Native plants are a food source for bees, butterflies, 6. Runge Conservation and other pollinators. Nature Center 2.4 miles of hiking trails 7. Big Creek Conservation Area 0.7 mile hiking trail For even more ways to reconnect with nature, visit mdc.mo.gov/NeverLoseTouch. Find more places to hike at mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/places. mdc.mo.gov 27 Get
Outsidein Wild grapes Ways to connect JULY with nature Uncommon Visitors Butterfly weed, Missouri’s only milkweed with bright orange flowers, blooms through September. It’s one of our few truly orange native flowers. While you’re admiring it, keep an eye out for coral hairstreak butterflies. This uncommon butterfly has been described as addicted to the blossoms of butterfly weed — other flowers are practically ignored when this plant is present. Another uncommon visitor this month? Bella moths. Also called the calico or rattlebox moth, this is one of the most beautiful moths in North America. It’s active during the day, feeding on goldenrods, but look for bella moths at night near light. Coral hairstreak and butterfly weed
Early Morning Caller VIRTUAL A variety of flying insects, including click Native Plants and scarab beetles, Thursday • July 15 • 12–1 p.m. crane flies, and plume Virtual event at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 moths, are attracted to Registration required at the Deep Roots website lights at night. Many at deeproots.org/native-plants-at-noon of them hang around Virtually tour the native landscape at MDC’s Anita B. Gorman until morning. Look Conservation Discovery Center. Guided by native landscape for them on the side Click specialists Alix Daniel and Cydney Ross, this monthly series of your house in the beetle features a live look at native plants of interest throughout early morning hours. the year. This program is a partnership with Deep Roots.
Southern Eastern Bluegill Natural Events red-backed bluebirds nesting to See This Month salamanders are continues lay eggs territorial Here’s what’s going on into late through during in the natural world. July. July. breeding.
28 Missouri Conservationist | July 2021 Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events
Time for Wine Missouri’s summer grape matures in July. Look for its dark blue to black globe-shaped berries. This species, in its “Norton” hybrid/cultivar form, is the state’s official grape. Producing a dry, “big” red wine with complex flavors, Norton is the cornerstone of the Missouri wine industry. It is probably the oldest native American grape variety used for commercial wine production.
Spider Homes Reconnect You may notice your lawn or with ornamental plants dotted with webs. Each of these webs is home to a grass spider. Grass spiders build delicate, sheetlike webs in grass and shrubs. They live beneath them and come out to NaturE catch their prey, keeping the insect Adventure can happen population in check. If you tap on anywhere. Download the one of these webs with a stick, free MO Con Mag app to take you might capture the spider’s the Missouri Conservationist attention and it may emerge wherever you go. thinking it has caught dinner!
Flowering Frenzy Many of our native wildflowers, including several varieties of sunflowers, coneflowers, and black- and brown-eyed Susans, begin blooming in July. To help you identify wildflowers, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zri.
Sunflower Purple coneflower Black-eyed susan
Broad-banded Young watersnakes striped can have up skunks Download for to 40 young in begin Android one litter. foraging.
mdc.mo.gov 29 Places to Go 30 half marathon in October. in marathon half and August 10K in race annual an hosts — also group ning run alocal and park the with he said. species,” and habitats of different suite whole the there’s so forest, and grassland of it’s amixture because bird to he said. ning, run and birding include to ing bik and hiking go beyond tats, habi woodland and savannah through passes which trail, Jones said. Creek,” on Big hike their or end start either that public the from a lot of people there’s so Creek, on Big trail multiuse Hills for Thousand there’s atrailhead Kirksville, Jones. Ryan Manager CA Creek Big said area, the traverses that trail biking) and (hiking use amulti with two the necting con west, the to Park State Hills Thousand and east the to city the between sits CA Creek Big of Kirksville, southwest itbetween and its neighbors. connection the make that County, it’s trails good Adair in (CA) Area Conservation Creek of Big case the But in bors. good fences good neigh make _ Archer Larry by good neighbors trailsGood make Area Conservation Big Creek NORTHEAST REGION NORTHEAST
The area — in cooperation in cooperation — area The “A go out lot there of people the multiuse of uses The to next it’s right that “Being acres on 1,064 Located As the old saying goes, old saying the As Missouri Conservationist Missouri
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July 2021 July ------as well as abundant wildlife.” abundant as well as habitat savannah and woodland good see they’ll so trail, the along woodland restoration and savannah some do we community-wise, “Natural — Big Creek Manager CA Ryan Jones Ryan
DAVID STONNER BIG CREEK CONSERVATION AREA consists of 1,064 acres in Adair County. From Kirksville, take Business Highway 63 south 0.50 mile, then take Highway 11 west 1.7 miles, then take Route H north 1.7 miles, and take Rainbow Basin Trail west 1 mile.
40.1719, -92.6169 short.mdc.mo.gov/ZRV 660-785-2420
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT
Birdwatching Included in the National Audubon Society’s Thousand Hills Woodland and Forest Important Bird Area (short.mdc. mo.gov/ZPA). Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/ZRr). The eBird list of birds recorded at Big Creek CA is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZRK.
Camping Designated primitive camping areas adjacent to area’s three parking lots. Open camping (walk-in, float-in, backpack) allowed except during firearms deer and turkey seasons.
Fishing Three stocked fishing ponds. Black bass, catfish, sunfish.
Hiking The 0.75-mile Thousand Hills Trail is open to hiking and biking and connects the eastern side of Big Creek CA with neighboring Thousand Hills State Park. Mowed field Dew decorates a roads also allow hiking access to the area. spider web at sunrise as fog rises over Hunting Deer and turkey. Deer and turkey Pond 5 at Big Creek regulations are subject to annual changes. CA. Numerous small Please refer to the Spring Turkey or Fall Deer ponds and creeks dot and Turkey booklets for current regulations. the area in the low Also dove and squirrel elevations (inset).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU VISIT Southern flying squirrel Prairie kingsnake Red-eyed vireo White-tailed deer
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MAIN: JIM RATHERT; INSET: CLIFF WHITE or online at booklets are available from local permit vendors Current hunting, trapping, and fishing regulation MissouriCode of methods, and restrictions, consult the For complete information about seasons, limits, Most streams south of the Missouri River: Missouri the of south streams Most year all Open Sept. 15, 2021 Sept. midnight: to sunrise Waters, Impounded and Streams March 1 March Catch-and-Keep: Trout Parks 15 March River: Mississippi the On Paddlefish 16 Feb. sunset: to sunrise Waters, Impounded Nongame Fish Gigging sunset at 30 June Frogs Bullfrogs, Green non and waters Impounded Black Bass Nov. 12, 2021 Catch-and-Release: Sept. 15 Sept. Î Î
Catch Catch May 22, 2021 May 1 March – Outdoor Calendar Outdoor – – short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZf Sept. 14, 2021 Sept. – Oct. 31, 2021 Oct. Dec. 15, 2021 Dec. May 15,May 2021 - - and and at FISHING – – – May 21,May 2021 short.mdc.mo.gov/Zib Feb. 14,Feb. 2022 - - Feb. 15,Feb. 2022 Keep: Keep: Release:
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Nov. 24, 2021 Sept. 15 Sept. Archery: Deer Nov. 1, 2021 Crow year all Open season, and firearmsdeer season. turkey spring April, during apply Restrictions Coyote sunset at 30 June Frogs Bullfrogs, Green 18 Oct. Bear Black at more Learn fall. this starting inseason history modern bear-hunting black first state’s the Missourians offer will MDC Hunting Season New BlackBear Oct. 16 Oct. Archery: Elk 1 Sept. Dove Firearms: Dec. 11 Dec. Firearms: Î Î Î Î Î short.mdc.mo.gov/ZrK
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Nov. 29, 2021 19, 2021 24, 2021 27, 2021 Nov. 12, 2021 – – – – 12, 2021 – – March 3, 2022 3, March 31, 2021 23, 2021 28, 202128, Jan. 15,Jan. 2022 Android or iPhone platforms at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zi2 at platforms iPhone or Android – permits, find great places to fish, and ID your catch. Get both in both Get catch. your ID and fish, to places great find permits, them, and Telecheck your harvest. MO Fishing lets you buy buy you lets Fishing MO harvest. your Telecheck and them, notch electronically permits, buy to easy it makes Hunting MO Free MOHuntingandFishing Apps Oct. 31, 2021 Oct. – Jan. 4, 2022 4, Jan.
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ILLUSTRATION: MARK RAITHEL Follow us on Instagram @moconservation
A sedge wren perches on a prairie blazing star, as if taking in its natural beauty. This little bird may be onto something. July is a great time to seek out Missouri’s native wildflowers— many of which are in full bloom. What wildflower will you discover? Get out and see.
by Noppadol Paothong
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