Discover Nature Notes

Freshwater mussels are a powerhouse for cleaning our waters. They have a fantasia-like way of reproducing with the help of host fish. Discover their power and risks, and how you can help protect them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

It's always on the move and brings it's home along too! It is both common and unusual. Its mouth is on the bottom of its foot. It has a foot but no leg. It leaves a trail wherever it goes. This mobile critter has a lot of mechanical features with special attachments. Learn more about this ancient creature found worldwide in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Poet Henry David Thoreau wrote that the bluebird, "carries the sky on its back". Learn more about this symbol of happiness and how you can help them and watch them raise a family by building a nest box.

There are thousands of ferns with creative names and healthy features. You can now officially go "gaga" over them with a new genus of 19 plants named after Lady Gaga, inspired by a grammy costume and DNA sequencing. Discover the resurrection fern. It comes back to life, has been to space, and is used medicinally. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Male prairie chickens boom, jump in the air, and compete for the attention of hens. The hens take their time strolling by before picking a mate. See their spring dance and learn what's being done to save them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Which picture is a toad and which is a frog? Learn their differences and what they have in common in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Wile E. Coyote never could catch the roadrunner in cartoons, but in reality, coyotes have keen survival skills. Learn how two famous Missourians shaped their image, and how to deal with them in urban areas in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Many species use showy displays and fancy moves to attract a mate. Catch our top five countdown on the best in show on land, in the air, and on the water.

Their piercing calls are often dubbed for eagles in the movies.  Red-tailed hawks have strong senses as well.  Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Groundhogs rule their day with a popular weather forecast.  They're also expert home builders.  Learn more and the answer to an age old question in this week's Discover Nature Note.