Get Out!

Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.

• The heat of summer is a good time to look near marshes, streams, and other wet areas for damselflies. Many of these mosquito-munching predators glimmer in the sunlight like flying gemstones. Although they look similar to dragonflies, damselflies hold their wings together when perched, while dragonflies spread their wings out flat.
• If summer’s heat has you beat, escape to a cool Ozark stream. Float a canoe in the current and you’ll squeal with excitement as you rush over rapids and pinball around rocks. For ideas on which stream to float, head to the library and check out A Paddler’s Guide to Missouri.
• In July, many young birds leave their nests for the first time. Although they can technically fly, they haven’t quite gotten the hang of it and still need care from mom and pop. If you find a fledgling, the best thing to do is keep your pets indoors and leave the young bird alone. Chances are it will be fine after it rests for a bit.
• In August, box turtles begin hatching out of their leathery eggs and digging out of their underground nests. Not all baby box turtles hatch out in the heat of summer. Some hatch in autumn, stay underground through winter, and emerge the following spring.
• When it’s hot and humid, check the mulch in your flower beds for one of Missouri’s weirdest creatures. Slime mold looks like a yellow or tan blob of scrambled eggs or dog vomit. The blob creeps slowly across the ground, eating bacteria and fungi as it goes. Although it looks gross, slime mold is harmless.

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