Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature.

Peek-a-boo

Opossum young begin emerging from their mother’s pouch.

Location, location, location

Got some new neighbors of the fine-feathered variety? If so, it’s not surprising this time of year. Bird nesting is at its peak. Look for meadowlarks, robins, orioles, bobolinks, and eastern bluebirds building new homes.

Nature’s chorus

Two species of frogs are out and calling in chorus. The cricket frog’s call sounds like small pebbles being struck rapidly together. Not to be outdone is the gray treefrog, which has a musical, birdlike trill.

Northwest Region Outdoor Skills Camp: Introduction to Archery

Thursday, May 24 • 6–7:30 p.m. Pigeon Hill Conservation Area 701 James McCarthy Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507 Registration required, call 816-271-3100 Ages 12–18.

New to archery? This is the class for you! Bows, arrows, and targets will be provided. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Southeast Region Endangered Species: The Hidden Gems of Missouri

Saturday, May 19 • 1–2:30 p.m. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required, call 573-290-5218 for information | All ages.

Missouri is home to many different species of plants, but some are classified as endangered or rare. Join a naturalist in learning about some of Missouri’s uncommon gems and their place in our natural landscapes.

Enjoy the light show

Fireflies — or lightning bugs —set the night sky aglow on warm evenings.

In full bloom

Missouri’s landscape is in bloom this time of year. Find the large yellow flowers of Missouri primrose on Ozark glades. The purple blooms of the coneflower and the bright yellow heads of tickseed coreopsis dot the prairies and roadsides. What native flowers can you find?’

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Ringnecked pheasant crowing at its peak
• Carpenter bees lay eggs in wood
• Common nighthawks flit over cities eating
• insects at dusk
• Black bears eat grass and other plants to reactivate their digestive systems
• Bluegill begin spawning

Discover Nature on the Great Missouri Birding Trail

Strap on your binoculars, grab your field guide, and head out for an exciting day of birding.
The Great Missouri Birding Trail is an online interactive map of the best places to bird in the state to introduce new and seasoned birders to over 335 bird species that annually visit Missouri. Let’s go birding!

The trail is divided into six regions, including St. Louis, Central, Kansas City, Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast.

Visit greatmissouribirdingtrail.com to find birding locations near you and what birds you may see, driving directions, information on Missouri’s diverse habitats, and more.