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by Erin Woodiel, Missouri Department of Conservation Hunting deer is a challenging and rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors in the fall. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a two-day “White-Tailed Deer Hunting 101” program on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26 at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This program will include both in-person and virtual options for participation. Participants are required to attend both days of the program. Taught by MDC Community Education Assistant John Rittel and Naturalist Nikki King, topics will cover scouting locations, hunting methods, deer tracking and more. All in-person participants should dress to be both indoors and outdoors. Participants ages 10 and up are welcome, though anyone ages 10-15 must be accompanied by a participating adult. This program is free, but registration is required for both the in-person and virtual options. Register for the in-person option at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202582 Register for the virtual option at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202597 Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road in Blue Springs, MO. For questions about this event or other upcoming events at Burr Oak Woods, call 816-228-3766.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a two-day “White-Tailed Deer Hunting 101” program on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26 at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Photo credit: MDC 
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Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center hosts Small Wonders: Insects in Focus through Sept. 218/22/2024 by Maddie Fennewald, Missouri Department of Conservation In the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on earth. By using cutting-edge technology and custom methods, artist Bob Sober created Small Wonders: Insects in Focus, an exhibition of breathtaking beauty that allows viewers to see this hidden world of insects like they’ve never seen it before. Small Wonders aims to inspire, in an artistic way, our natural curiosity to understand the form, function, and diversity of nature. The exhibition runs through Sept. 21 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Bob Sober, a visual artist as well as technological pioneer whose photographic techniques are the subject of educational tutorials, offers a series of thirty images that bring the natural world to a scale rarely experienced until now. Small Wonders finds viewers at the intersection of art and science and brings together the two fields of thought in a provocative and inspiring way. This exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to over 100 small and mid-sized communities each year. These exhibitions create access to an array of arts and humanities experiences, nurture the understanding of diverse cultures and art forms, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. This exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center located at 4750 Troost Avenue in Kansas City. For questions about this free exhibit, call (816) 759-7300, and MDC staff will be available to provide answers.  View images of insects like the Scarab Beetle (pictured above) at the Small Wonders Insects in Focus exhibit at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City through Sept. 21. Image credit: MDC  Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Aug. 8 - 18. Visit the MDC Conservation Building from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the MDC Xplor Zone for kids from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to see live fish and other native animals such as snakes, turtles, and amphibians. Learn about and see displays of native plants that help butterflies and other important pollinators. Ask MDC staff conservation-related questions, get educational materials, and have fun. Join MDC on Friday, Aug. 9, for Missouri Department of Conservation Day -- a full day of fun and excitement sponsored by MDC! For more information, visit mostatefair.com. Enjoy these free conservation-related programs at MDC’s outdoor pavilion:
Learn more about MDC programs and events at mdc.mo.gov.  by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fisheries staff in the Kansas City area recently found invasive zebra mussels in Longview Lake in Jackson County – the most recent discovery of the invasive species in the state. While some other lakes in the area have known infestations of the invasive species, this is the first discovery in Longview Lake. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that came to North American waters in international shipping ballast water and were first discovered in Lake St. Clair near Detroit in 1988. Zebra mussels were first reported in Missouri in 1991 in the Mississippi River near St. Louis. They have spread to the Missouri, Osage, and Meramec rivers and streams downstream of infested lakes. In addition to Longview Lake, they have also been found in these other nine Missouri lakes: Blue Springs Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Carrollton Recreation Lake, Lake Jacomo, Lake Lotawana, Lake Taneycomo, Lake of the Ozarks, Prairie Lee Lake, and Smithville Lake. Invasive zebra mussels hurt native fish numbers and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. They decimate populations of native freshwater mussels and other aquatic animals. One of the greatest risks for spreading the invasive mussels to other lakes and rivers is overland transport on boats, motors, trailers, docks, aquatic plants, pumps and other equipment. Larger adult zebra mussels can live several days out of water in moist, shaded areas. Microscopic zebra mussel larva can survive in boat bilge water, livewells, bait buckets, and engine cooling-water systems. The economic impacts of zebra mussels in North America during the next decade are expected to be in the billions of dollars. Zebra mussels can clog power plants, as well as industrial and public drinking water intakes, foul boat hulls, and motors. MDC urges boaters using Longview Lake and other lakes and rivers to keep their crafts and equipment free from hitchhiking zebra mussels -- especially when moving between waterbodies -- by completing the following steps:
MDC asks boaters and others in the Kansas City area to report zebra mussel findings to the MDC Kansas City Regional Office at 816-622-0900, including from known infested lakes and rivers. For more information on Longview Lake, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/jackson-county-longview-lake.  Photo credit: MDC  On July 23rd at 7:00am, more than 500 boats and nearly 700 racers will begin the 19th Annual Missouri American Water MR340 river race. Participants will paddle 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles in nonmotorized boats, kayaks and canoes in a four-day race to the finish line. “The Missouri American Water MR340 race brings awareness to the importance of our rivers, specifically as reliable sources of drinking water for millions throughout the state,” said Rich Svindland, President, Missouri American Water. “As the water service provider for one in four Missourians, our team is dedicated to the delivery of safe and clean water now and for future generations.” Race proceeds benefit the event host, Missouri River Relief and the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum, organizations promoting environmental stewardship and education. Approximately 40 volunteers from Missouri American Water will join Missouri River Relief staff and hundreds of other volunteers to help organize and facilitate the race. “The Missouri American Water MR340 brings together racers, ground crews, volunteers, towns & cities, sponsors and spectators from around the country and globe,” said Race Manager Taby Lane. “This wave of a few thousand participants will work across the state in a few days’ time and, together, make the race a wonderful experience and event promoting Missouri River Relief’s mission of drawing awareness and connecting people to the Missouri River.” Race details can also be found at mr340.org. To view a map of the race course, visit Race Course - The MR340. For race tracking and results, including a map showing the location of racers, see raceowl.com. Racers and their support ground crews will be stopping at nearly all boat ramps along the Missouri River. by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities. MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:
Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide. Need suggestions for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include: cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more. Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places. Find MDC outdoor offerings based on select types of outdoor activities, locations, and more with the free MDC mobile app -- MO Outdoors. It is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-outdoors.  Blue Male Indigo Bunting. Photo credit: MDC by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online during July for a shot at more than 150 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth, new hunters, or for people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available starting Aug. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed deer hunts can also be found in MDC’s 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov. by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation With dry weather around the state, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be especially careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. FIREWORKS: Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Fireworks are not allowed on conservation areas. Check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. OUTDOOR BURNING: Don’t burn during wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. DRIVING OFF ROAD: Wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. MAKING A CAMPFIRE: Clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Learn more about camping on MDC areas at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/camping. CALL FOR HELP: Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control. REPORT FOREST ARSON: Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible. PRESCRIBED FIRE: Fire used in the wrong way can create disasters. Used in the right way, fire can help create habitat for wildlife. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/prescribed-fire.  by Jill Pritchard, Missouri Department of Conservation
Staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri River Bird Observatory invite anyone interested in urban trees and wildlife in Kansas City to join them for a free community program on Urban Trees and Wildlife on Saturday, June 22, from 10:00am to Noon at the MDC Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. in Kansas City. MDC Community Forester Taylor Neff, MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Chris Cain, and Tessa Poolman of Missouri River Bird Observatory will share information on Kansas City’s tree and wildlife species. The program will start in a classroom to discuss the most common yard and street-tree species, common tree problems, tree resources, species to plant, and urban wildlife basics. The program will conclude with birdwatching and tree identification tour as time permits. Registration is required. Learn more and register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/201207 Jackson County Parks + Rec’s Sand Cinema will present Barbie on the giant inflatable movie screen at Longview Lake Beach on Friday, June 7. Gates will open at 7:30pm. Admission is $10 per car.
Complimentary photos with Barbie, courtesy of This Princess Life, will be available before the movie gets underway around 9:00 p.m. or dark. Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. No swimming or outside food, drinks, or pets are allowed. Concessions are available for guests to enjoy. Barbie is the first of three beachfront family features this summer. The Sand Cinema schedule for summer 2024 at Longview Lake Beach is as follows, weather permitting:
Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, just two miles south of I-470. For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming events, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/events. |
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