Get Outside in March

The Forecast Calls for Snow Geese

Snow geese and other waterfowl are moving through Missouri, especially at national wildlife refuges and other large wetland sanctuaries. Listen for large V- and W-shaped flocks of snow geese overhead, including at nighttime. If you are hearing a chorus of squawking yips in the distance, you may think it’s coyotes, but look up. It could be snow geese. Their white wings reflect city lights below and look silvery against the night sky.

Head to the Water

As the water temperature increases, so does the activity of many aquatic invertebrates. Visit a fast-flowing Ozark stream on a sunny day and keep an eye out for caddisfly larvae, aquatic snails, aquatic sowbugs, crayfish, and much more. The online Field Guide (short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9d) can help you identify what you find.

Wonders of Wildflowers

Are you interested in learning more about Missouri’s native wildflowers. March is an excellent time to start. This month, the outdoors is alive with blooming flowers. As you go out and explore, use MDC’s online Field Guide (short.mdc.mo.gov/4fb) as your reference.

Show-Me Luck

Are there shamrocks in Missouri? Clovers and wood-sorrels both have trifoliate leaves, similar to the distinct three-leaf shamrock. White clover and yellow wood sorrel even have beautiful blooms. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/4fu and short.mdc.mo.gov/4fL.

Cast Iron and Dutch Oven: 1 Basics and Selection

Tuesday, March 7, noon–1 p.m.

MDC Virtual Nature Center

Registration required by March 7 at short.mdc.mo.gov/4fE or by calling 888-283-0364.

All ages.

Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! In part one of this six-part series, we will discuss the basics of cast iron cooking and how to select the right tools to meet every need around the campfire.

Cast Iron and Dutch Oven: 2 Clean, Care, and Season

Tuesday, March 14, noon–1 p.m.

MDC Virtual Nature Center

Registration required by March 14 at short.mdc.mo.gov/4fa or by calling 888-283-0364.

All ages.

Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! Part two of this virtual series will provide information on setting up your cast iron by seasoning it, cleaning, and caring for it so you can use it for years to come.

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

Sight in for Turkey Season

Don’t wait! Now is the time to head to one of MDC’s five shooting range and outdoor education centers to sharpen your skills and pattern your shotgun.

1.  Andy Dalton — Ash Grove, mdc.mo.gov/andydalton
2.  Lake City — Buckner, mdc.mo.gov/lakecity
3.  Jay Henges — High Ridge, mdc.mo.gov/hengesrange
4.  Parma Woods — Parkville, mdc.mo.gov/parmawoods
5.  August A. Busch — Weldon Spring, mdc.mo.gov/buschrange

Not a turkey hunter, but want to learn?

Our staff of specialists can help you master firearms and archery, wildlife identification, and many other outdoor skills. Visit mdc.mo.gov/shootingranges to learn more.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Oyster mushrooms, choice edibles, appear.
• Eastern gartersnakes mate.
• Red foxes birth a single litter.