Get Out

Don't miss the chance to discover nature at these fun events.

1. Learn about Missouri’s elk at Nature Center at Night: Missouri’s Elk. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. November 12, 5–8 p.m. For details, call 573-290-5218.
2. Sharpen your rifle skills at Beginning Youth Rifle Shooting. Jay Henges Shooting Range in High Ridge. November 28, 8–9:30 a.m. Ages 9–15. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Register at 636-938-9548.
3. Lace up your boots for a Short-eared Owl Hike . Shawnee Trail Conservation Area near Mindenmines. December 11 , 4:30–6 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Register at 417-629-3423.
4. Decorate your tree with Nature’s Ornaments. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona. November 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Register at 573-325-1381.
5. See the outdoors on the big screen at Nature Film Festival. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. December 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, call 816-228 -3766.

There’s plenty to discover outdoors in late fall and early winter. Watch for these natural events around these dates.

• November 13 - Scout for frost flowers after the first hard frost.
• November 17 - Keep your eyes on the sky for the Leonid meteor shower.
• November 20 - Fill your pockets as pecans drop from trees.
• December 3 - Barred owls are courting. Listen for: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
• December 8 - Snow goose populations peak at wetlands.
• December 12 - Bald eagles flock to southern Missouri.
• December 24 - Look for woodpeckers at suet feeders: downy, hairy, pileated, and red-bellied.