Get Outside in May

Hooray for Bees

May 20 is World Bee Day. This annual celebration calls attention to the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and the many challenges they face today.

Bees, among the hardest working creatures on the planet, benefit people, plants, and the environment. By carrying pollen from one flower to another, bees enable not only the production of an abundance of fruits, nuts, and seeds but also more variety and better quality, contributing to food security and nutrition.

Pollinators, such as bees, birds, and bats, affect 35 percent of the world’s crop production, increasing outputs of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide, plus many plant-derived medicines. Three out of four crops across the globe that produce fruits or seeds for human use depend, at least in part, on pollinators. For information about the varieties of bees in Missouri, and the plants they prefer, visit the online Field Guide at short.mdc.mo.gov/4gM.

Night Butterflies

Mid-19th-century naturalists referred to moths as “night butterflies” because they are attracted to lights at night. Look for them resting on your house in early morning. For help identifying your nighttime visitors, visit our online Field Guide at short.mdc.mo.gov/4gQ.

Enjoy National Fishing and Boating Week

With more than 110,000 miles of running water, Missouri is the perfect place to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3–11. When it comes to fishing, Missouri has a lot to offer. More than 200 species of fish live in the Show-Me State, and more than four dozen species offer opportunities for anglers. Seasons are long, and daily limits are generous. Free Fishing Days, June 10 and 11, will also coincide with this week. So, ready the fishing gear and rev up your boat’s engines. The water is fine, and the fish are biting. Need help finding a place to go? Check out the MO Outdoors app, available on Android or iPhone platforms, at mdc.mo.gov/mooutdoors.

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

Discover Fishing

Want to make connections? Why not discover fishing? It’s a great way for everyone to have fun outdoors and learn about conservation.

With fishing, you can:

• Find adventure and excitement
• Spend quality time with family
• Escape the stress of everyday life
• Reconnect with friends
• Make lifetime memories

Download the MO Fishing app today to make it even easier!

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Eastern hog-nosed snakes mate.
• Blue-eyed Mary blooms.
• Coyotes howl.
• Common nighthawks arrive.
• Crappie spawn.