The old saying claims that hunting is all fun and games until you pull the trigger, that’s when the work begins. I take pride in being a Jack-of-no-trades, do-it-yourselfer for many things, and I literally get up to my elbows in deer after the shot. This year I didn’t finish the job until late inContinue reading “Homemade sausage completes hunter’s work with help from friends”
Author Archives: John J. Winkelman
Invasive pear tree ‘buyback’ program returns
The Missouri Invasive Plant Council has sent a Save The Date reminder for the annual Bradford Pear Buyback Event on April 21, but the more important calendar consideration is March 16, which is opening day for registration to participate. Homeowners who are willing to remove the invasive Callery pear trees growing in their landscapes canContinue reading “Invasive pear tree ‘buyback’ program returns”
Hellbender continues to wait for Endangered Species Act protection
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Camp Hellbender, a program for adults to relive their childhood summer camp experiences. It sounded like a good time, but I was disappointed when I found out that the annual program didn’t have anything to do Missouri’s endangered aquatic salamander. I spent many of my formative yearsContinue reading “Hellbender continues to wait for Endangered Species Act protection”
Audubon offers opportunities to join Backyard Bird Count
What started as a backyard event has gone global over the past 30 years, and more people are always being invited to the party. The Great Backyard Bird Count has added participants around the world and keeps tabs on more bird species every year. Established by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, GBBCContinue reading “Audubon offers opportunities to join Backyard Bird Count”
Swans and eagles attract attention in January
Visiting the Audubon Center at Riverlands can be a treat any time of the year, but the winter holds the allure of special avian guests and regular events to increase the opportunity and understanding of those big American birds. Bald eagles bring out scores of bird watchers as open water areas north of Missouri freezeContinue reading “Swans and eagles attract attention in January”
Free First Day Hikes require advanced registration in Missouri State Parks
Thanks to alert Leader reader Karen Wenzel, I can correct this information for “Don’t Call Me Outdoor John.” My photo is tagged in my computer file as “created on Jan. 1. 2004,” but when Karen saw the picture in the paper, she new it was 2014 when I made my first, First Day Hike atContinue reading “Free First Day Hikes require advanced registration in Missouri State Parks”
FeederWatch project collects data for continental bird research
There is never a bad time to help a good cause, so the required donation to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology was not a barrier to keep me from joining a program called Project FeederWatch. One week into my membership, I already consider it $18 well spent. My obsession with the birds that flock toContinue reading “FeederWatch project collects data for continental bird research”
Annual Geminid meteor shower will peak this weekend
One of the outdoors’ greatest shows not on Earth takes place this month and will reach its performance peak this weekend. The display will go on regardless of the weather, but in order for us to enjoy it, clear skies at night are necessary. The editors at EarthSky.org predict the peak of the Geminid meteorContinue reading “Annual Geminid meteor shower will peak this weekend”
Walk in the park to highlight “Benefits of Nature”
“You know where Knob Noster State Park is, don’t you?” a friend asked me earlier this week. “Just east of Warrensburg,” I replied confidently. I take pride in being able to identify and locate public places throughout Missouri where you can get out and enjoy the outdoors. I have visited more than half of theContinue reading “Walk in the park to highlight “Benefits of Nature””
Old almanac will continue to provide annual predictions
Since I am a frequent shopper at Buchheit in Herculaneum, my wife Kelly will tell you that it was not so coincidental that I was in the store on the same day I heard the news that the Farmers’ Almanac was ceasing publication. I had just seen a display rack full of the familiar, yellow-coveredContinue reading “Old almanac will continue to provide annual predictions”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 