Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature.

Visitors from the North

Juncos arrive from Canada. These are common backyard birds that will stay throughout the winter. Enjoy them at your feeder.

I’ll Eat Just One More

Striped skunks are fattening up for winter. They forage most of the night on plants and animal foods, such as bee larvae, mice, moles, and shrews.

Kansas City Region Halloween Happening

HOWLoween Special Event

Friday, Oct. 19 • 6–9 p.m. Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required. Call 816-759-7300 for more information All ages

HOWLoween is back and discovering nature’s creepy creatures is just part of the nighttime fun. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, the Bone Yard, the Bat Cave, and much more. It will be a howling fun, unforgettable event for the entire family.

Get a Peek at Fall Colors

Missouri’s fall colors peak in mid- October. You can enjoy this natural wonder almost anywhere, but to get a spectacular view, check out the forested bluffs along a riverway, drive along country back roads, or just take a hike. For more suggestions, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4E.

Busy Beavers

Keep an eye out for beavers along streams, rivers, marshes, and small lakes. They are active during the day, gathering food for winter.

Central Region

Primitive Skills

Saturday • Oct. 20 • 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109 No registration required. Call 573-526-5544 for more information. All ages

Take a step back in time and explore our heritage by practicing your primitive skills. Try your hand at atlatl, tomahawk throwing, archery, natural dyes, cordage, and flintknapping

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Hellbender breeding peaks
• Brown bats gather at cave entrances to mate and hibernate
• Lady beetles congregate on sunny sides of houses.