“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””
Tag Archives: invasive species
Annual buyback program incentivizes invasive pear tree removal
The city of Herculaneum and a few other online sources have recently posted helpful tips for pruning Bradford pear trees. The once-revered ornamental landscaping plants are now recognized as invasive, and they have a particular trait of breaking branches easily in wind and ice storms. Recent spring storms may have brought the need for treeContinue reading “Annual buyback program incentivizes invasive pear tree removal”
Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds
Fifteen years ago I became a cat owner for the first time. Actually, I’m more of a co-owner, and in all reality, we are the ones who are owned. We have had a few barn cats in the past, but that was more akin to co-habitating on the same property than ownership. Our now 15-year-oldContinue reading “Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds”
Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus
Mired in a month of actual winter this January, the idea of a meeting about fire and its benefits might attract a crowd just for the warm thoughts. The newly formed Mid Mississippi Prescribed Burn Association of Missouri is more than just a hot idea; the group helps landowners work together to manage their propertiesContinue reading “Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus”
Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition
The Thanksgiving Day celebrations are barely behind us, and we are already full speed ahead toward Christmas. One holiday tradition celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and it continues to grow and add new participants each year. The Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was initiated in 1900 by a bird fan who suggestedContinue reading “Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition”
Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers
A cool autumn afternoon with the forest of trees near their peak for fall colors may have been the best possible day to explore the Joachim Loop Trail at William C. Haggard Park in Herculaneum. But multiple times on the walk, I thought the path could be nearly perfect any time of the year. ForContinue reading “Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers”
Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley
When I noticed that Doug Tallamy was the guest speaker for an upcoming program at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, his name sounded familiar. I quickly recognized that he was the author of a great book I read recently that offered a simple plan for conservation. My excitement was tempered when I realized he wasn’tContinue reading “Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley”
Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management
A program that combines deer hunting and invasive species appears almost tailor-made for me by featuring two of my top topics for outdoor news. The free Invasive Plant Control for Deer Management webinar begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Use this link to access the Zoom call at meeting time: short.mdc.mo.gov/4XS. The programContinue reading “Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management”
Festus fisherman lands new world record bighead carp
“The good Lord is looking down on me.” George Chance was not talking about the world record fish he caught, but all the glories of his 78-plus years on earth. The retiree said he goes fishing at least three days a week at one of the several spots he has permission to fish near hisContinue reading “Festus fisherman lands new world record bighead carp”
Pending legislation needs support to curb Callery pear tree spread
Frequently I hear people talk about “cutting Callerys,” but I am always disappointed to realize they are saying calories and not the generic name for those nasty Bradford pear trees that are out in full force again this spring. Any spring driving trip near a populated area shows that the invasive species is proliferating. ItContinue reading “Pending legislation needs support to curb Callery pear tree spread”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 