Get Outside in January

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Ohio horsemint: The basal leaves remain green through the winter and have a mild, pleasant, minty scent.

Mullein: A variety of insects overwinter in the fuzzy basal leaves of this biennial, which colors the winter landscape.

Mosses and lichens: With the leaves off the trees, the green of mosses and lichen really glow.

Catch a Rainbow

Cast your line and catch a rainbow! MDC stocks rainbow trout in certain lakes and streams in winter. If you’re interested in winter fishing but for other species, Missouri has you covered. Bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish are also popular for anglers during the winter months. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

Primitive Skills: Virtual Bushcraft Series: Shelters

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 12–1 p.m.

Location: Online only

Registration required at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zt5.

This virtual program will give you an introduction on building basic shelters in all types of situations. Start time will be 12:05 p.m. using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the login information 24 hours prior to the event.

Primitive Skills: Virtual Bushcraft Series: Useful Cordage Plants

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 12–1 p.m.

Location: Online only

Registration required at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zti.

This virtual program will show common plants and materials to make different types of cordage. Start time will be 12:05 p.m. using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the login information 24 hours prior to the event.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events

Feathered Excavators

Have you noticed some busy birds around your trees and wondered, what’s going on? No need for concern — they are just foraging their next meal. Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and woodpeckers use their tweezerlike bills to pick insect and spider eggs and pupae from crevices in tree bark where they overwinter.

Howl at the Moon

Red fox mating season peaks in January and February, as does their nocturnal barking. If you are near a forested area or open area at night, you are sure to hear them.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Great horned owl breeding occurs.
• Opossums suffer damaged ears and tail tips due to freezing.
• Female black bears give birth to their cubs.