Tag Archives: outdoors

Jefferson County’s annual bear visit could be early this spring

Because it seems like it’s been spring since the end of February, it’s not a surprise that it feels like summer already, and occurrences you wouldn’t expect until Memorial Day are already on the radar.Jefferson County conservation agent Cpl. Lexis Wilson said she received a call last week from someone curious about the potential forContinue reading “Jefferson County’s annual bear visit could be early this spring”

Misinformation about snakes adds to plethora of questionable “facts”

While I realize that I do not have the qualifications or inclination to dispute all or even most of the misinformation that is widely shared these days, I am willing to try occasionally to be a voice of reason. And there is some significantly unreasonable news circulating these days. Multiple times this spring I haveContinue reading “Misinformation about snakes adds to plethora of questionable “facts””

Conservation Club lake will host teacher education workshop May 2

The state Department of Conservation program that teaches teachers how to teach fishing is coming to Festus. The three-hour workshop is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at the Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club near the intersection of Highway 61 and Interstate 55. Discover Nature Fishing consists of four progressive lessons thatContinue reading “Conservation Club lake will host teacher education workshop May 2”

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”

Periodical cicada invasion should be celebrated

For several weeks social media reactionaries have been hearkening the end of times with near Biblical fervor. It’s not a plague of locusts, but a measurable oddity that manifests from time to time in the form of periodical cicadas. Yes, hordes of noisy bugs with sometimes marginal aviation skills are due to return this springContinue reading “Periodical cicada invasion should be celebrated”

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”

Leap year delays opening day at Missouri trout parks

The concept and calculations for leap day and leap year are quite simple, but the schedule has always been a question in my mind. I understand that it takes 365 days and six hours for the earth to complete a full trip around the sun, but why in the world would anyone choose to makeContinue reading “Leap year delays opening day at Missouri trout parks”

Antler scoring event returns to Henges Center near Eureka

Unfortunately I do not have a good reason to visit one of my favorite winter events this weekend near Eureka, but because hunters in Missouri set a new all-time record for deer harvest in the 2023-24 season, the annual Deer Antler Scoring Open House could be busy. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb.Continue reading “Antler scoring event returns to Henges Center near Eureka”

Unplugged organization continues its work to get kids outdoors

For nearly a decade Missouri Kids Unplugged has been helping young people disconnect by inviting them to explore the outdoors at the organization’s facility near Dittmer and at special events throughout the St. Louis region. Sunfish are better than screen time; catching crappie kicks computer games; a lake shoreline is superior to social media. TonyContinue reading “Unplugged organization continues its work to get kids outdoors”