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”
Tag Archives: nature
Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park
A couple of weeks ago I wrote in the Jefferson County Leader about upcoming meetings at Taum Sauk State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry. Due to recent flooding in the area, guided hikes scheduled for the two areas have been postponed until Dec. 7. Below is that column with the new dates. Many moons agoContinue reading “Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park”
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”
Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors
Everyone likes talking about the weather. It’s nice to have topics most of us can agree about, and these days those things can seem rare. Any time of the year, the fallibility of the professional meteorologists can provide common ground, but for all their other idiosyncrasies, their accuracy is actually pretty good. Despite the earnedContinue reading “Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors”
Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month
For all of its reputations and stereotypes, Jefferson County probably does not get enough credit for its glories. Back roads and byways throughout the area offer some outstanding fall color displays this time of year. A few weeks ago I wrote about the parks and places where you can sample spectacular views while on foot,Continue reading “Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month”
Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations
John’s Butcher Shoppe in Festus joins the list of six places in Jefferson County where deer hunters can voluntarily have the deer they harvest tested for chronic wasting disease. With so many options hunters here have no reasonable reasons for not getting their game checked. Testing is provided at no charge to the hunter, andContinue reading “Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations”
County archers look to continue 12-year deer harvest streak
Archery hunting season opens on Sunday in Missouri and while it may not carry the fanfare of other openers on the statewide outdoors calendar, it certainly will get the attention of quite a few Jefferson County residents. For 12 consecutive years Jefferson has been the top archery harvest county in the Show-Me State. Over theContinue reading “County archers look to continue 12-year deer harvest streak”
Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of prevention messaging
August 2024 marks the 80th birthday of the U.S. Forest Service icon Smokey Bear. (Please note.) “The” is not Smokey’s middle name. While the blue jean clad, hat-wearing, bare chested bear does not have a real identity crisis, almost everyone (myself included occasionally) wants to add the extra syllable. Mickey the Mouse, Donald the DuckContinue reading “Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of prevention messaging”
Organization works to gain access for disabled hunters and youth; Fundraiser Aug. 17
Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and challenges that hunting and fishing have to offer. The Missouri Disabled Sportsmen group works to reduce barriers for people who want to enjoy the woods and waters. Founded in 2008, the statewide organization relies on volunteers and donors for 100 percent of the experiences itContinue reading “Organization works to gain access for disabled hunters and youth; Fundraiser Aug. 17”
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”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 