Get Out!

Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.

• Here’s how to turn a backyard evergreen into a living Christmas tree: Collect pine cones and tie loops of yarn to their stems. Spread peanut butter over the cones, roll them in birdseed, and hang them on an evergreen. In no time, birds will flock to the tree like colorful living ornaments.
• Want to know when treefrogs sing, bluebirds nest, or blackberries ripen? With daily reminders of wild happenings and beautiful photos of Missouri’s plants, animals, and wild places, the Natural Events Calendar is just the ticket. Order yours at www.mdcnatureshop.com.
• Frost flowers form when water freezes in a plant’s stem and bursts out in delicate ribbons of ice. November is a good time to find frost flowers in pastures, wooded valleys, and along weedy fencerows. You’ll have to get up early, though. Most disappear by mid-morning.
• Once leaves fall, it’s easier to spot woodpeckers as they search tree trunks and branches for insects to eat. Set off on a woodpecker safari to see if you can find all seven of Missouri’s head-banging birds.
• Give your rake a break! Many pollinators stay snug as a bug under a rug of leaves during winter. To help these helpful insects, let leaves lie until late spring.

Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.