Cicadas begin their summer sounds in July

Discover nature and learn more about the periodical and annual cicada.

JEFFERSON CTY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to discover nature this summer by learning more about cicadas. There are two types of cicadas, annual and periodical. As their names suggest, annual cicadas make an appearance every summer in July, whereas periodical cicadas emerge in 13 and 17-year cycles in late May.

Annual cicadas have dark eyes and greenish bodies, unlike the slightly smaller periodicals which have red eyes and blackish bodies.

After spending two-to-five years underground feeding on root juices, the annual cicada nymphs emerge and begin the search for mates using their raspy hum.

The cicada’s endless drone seems to come from everywhere. Cicadas emit a sound that can reach up to 95 decibels, depending on proximity. That is the equivalent noise level of a Boeing 737 before landing.

Unlike crickets rubbing together parts of their wings to create a chirp, male cicadas rapidly vibrate a piece of their exoskeleton to produce their loud call.

Despite the mild sound annoyance cicadas induce, the insect is a valuable food source for wildlife such as birds and other insects. In other countries it’s common for people to chow down on the meaty bug due to its predictable emergence in the summer. Cicadas pose no threat to people and minimal threats to trees.

While Missouri doesn’t have to worry about a large periodical cicada invasion this summer, states toward the east such as Ohio and West Virginia are dealing with a 17-year brood. The next 13-year periodical will not make an appearance in Missouri until 2024.

For more information on cicadas visit MDC’s online Field Guide at http://on.mo.gov/1Ubs3pQ.

MDC Cape Nature Center hosts Youth Pond Catfishing Clinic June 11

Ages 7 to 17 can learn the time-honored skill of fishing for catfish.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – There was a time when very few Missouri children didn’t know how to fish – especially for catfish. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fisheries biologists plan to start a catfishing revival with their Youth Pond Catfishing Clinic June 11 at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“Fishing is something virtually anyone can have success with,” said Kamaria Pearson, MDC angler education specialist. “This is an opportunity for youth to learn to catch catfish and then have that skill to fall back on for life.”

Pearson said fishing is important to childhood development because of the time spent outdoors. Fishing, as well as other outdoor activities, helps to reduce stress levels and improve academic abilities in children. It’s also a skill that can put food on the table, Pearson said.

“Missouri is a great place to fish, which is why many Missourians remember a time where the weekend family fish-fry was a regular occurrence,” she said. “Kids went fishing with their parents and grandparents all the time – it’s just what they did. With this and other fishing programs, we’re hoping to introduce today’s youth to the fun of fishing and its many rewards.”

Pearson said the clinic is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with opportunities to learn about the native catfish species of Missouri, their life cycle, and habitat before trying their luck at the pond. Registration is required by June 10. To register, or for more information, call the center at(573)290-5218. For more information about fishing in Missouri, go online tomdc.mo.gov/fishing.

MDC Cape Nature Center hosts two June canoeing programs

Learn to discover Missouri from a paddler’s view, the way it might’ve looked in the 1800s.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Henry David Thoreau said, “Everyone must believe in something. I believe I’ll go canoeing.” Southeast Missourians, who wish to follow in Thoreau’s wake, are invited to attend one of two free canoeing programs scheduled for June 4 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“Canoeing is an outdoor skill that enables someone to truly be on their own in nature,” said Sara Turner, manager of the center. “Long ago, canoeing was a necessary form of transportation for those who settled in the Mississippi River Valley. Now, we canoe because there’s a sense of adventure that comes with a paddler’s view of our Missouri rivers and lakes.”

Turner said the canoeing programs will help both women and families develop skills so they can make memories for a lifetime. Ladies will grab the oars first at Discover Nature: Women’s Canoeing from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Then families can learn together at Discover Nature: Family Canoeing, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

“Both groups will cover boating safety, equipment, and paddling techniques before spending time practicing on the North County Park Lake,” said Turner.

Turner said all the equipment will be provided and registration is required. Registrations may be made beginning May 17 by calling the center at (573)290-5218. Turner added that those who want to continue their canoeing adventures have ample opportunity throughout Missouri.

“From our gorgeous swamp areas in southeast Missouri, to the mighty Mississippi River or the smaller, pristine rivers of the Ozarks, canoeing is a skill that Missourians can use to discover nature for generations to come,” Turner said. “Some of these swamps and rivers even offer views of what Missouri looked like in the 1800s, in the time of Thoreau, but only if you view it by canoe.”

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located in Cape County Park North, near the intersection of Kings Highway and I-55. For more information on this and other nature programs go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Learn about the Purple Martin or Natural Easter Egg Dyeing in Cape Girardeau Area

There are a couple of events upcoming in the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area at the Cape Nature Center that outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy and learn from.

First, on March 17th, take the opportunity to learn about the purple martin.  The program will last about an hour and will be conducted by a volunteer from the Purple Martin Conservation Association.  You will learn about these beautiful birds, as well as how to attract them and keep them around your property.

The day before Easter, the Cape Nature Center will offer some fun for kids and adults, when a program on dyeing Easter eggs using native plants and kitchen scraps is presented. Eggs, plants, and dye will be provided.

You can get information on either program by visiting http://mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter or by calling  (573)290-5218.

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MDC: Cape Nature Center offers Nature Art

Nature journaling is a process where a person draws or writes what they see in nature in a dedicated journal. (MDC file photo)

This month’s nature art program demonstrates adding color to nature journaling.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center offers a monthly nature art program. The next session is Saturday, March 5, from 1 to 3 p.m., and is all about adding color to nature journals.

“So much of our art is inspired by nature,” said Jamie Koehler, assistant manager of the center. “Our volunteers lead this program and they are both nature experts and phenomenal artists. They’ll showcase how to use water colors in journaling to add color.”

Nature journaling is a process where a person draws or writes what they see in nature in a dedicated journal. The process helps in identifying what aspects of nature change throughout time, over seasons and generally helps appreciate the intricacies of the outdoor environment. Journals can be as simple as a few sentences recorded per nature experience, or as complicated as full illustrated pages with doodles and drawings that reflect what species were viewed and what the weather was like. Some like to add various mediums to the journaling process as their journal grows in pages.

“If you’re interested in trying or have dabbled in water colors even a little bit, this will be a program for you,” Koehler said.

Basic water coloring techniques will be demonstrated and basic supplies will be provided so guests can try it in class.

All ages and groups are welcome, though registration is required. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located inside Cape Girardeau's North County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99) and Kingshighway (State Highway 61). For more information on this and other nature programs at the center, go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter, call(573)290-5218, or text nature to 91212.

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MDC Cape Nature Center offers women’s hike

Holly Ridge Conservation Area is the destination March 5.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a women’s hike at Holly Ridge Conservation Area Saturday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This is a chance for local women to get together and spend a day out in nature,” said Jordi Brostoski,  MDC naturalist at the center.

Brostoski said March is a great time to get an early glimpse of spring along the trails.

“I particularly like to hike in late February or early March and then do the same hike again a month later,” she said. “It gives you a chance to see how much has changed in nature in that short period of time.”

“Holly Ridge is a beautiful area with many different species of plants and animals of conservation concern,” Brostoski said, adding that the area resembles forests of Tennessee more than it does a typical Ozark forest.

The hike is four and a half miles with a difficulty rating of moderate. This program is for women ages 14 and up. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Call the nature center to make a reservation for this program at (573)290-5218.

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located inside Cape Girardeau's North County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99) and Kingshighway (State Highway 61). For more information on this and other nature programs at the center, go online tomdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter, call (573)290-5218, or text nature to 91212.

Kick-off 2016 with Cape Nature Center events

The 2016 Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center program schedule starts off with Dutch Oven Cooking: Soups and Stews, Saturday, Jan. 2.  (MDC file photo)

Gain skills in Dutch oven cooking, Nature art, arrow making and tree tapping all in one month.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Nature Center has plenty of programs to cure a wintry spirit. Nature Center Manager Sara Turner said winter is the best time to hone many outdoor skills. 

“Some people think winter is time to hide away indoors, but that’s just not the case,” Turner said. “We have a packed schedule for January, so folks will have plenty to do and discover what nature’s like in the winter months.”

The 2016 Nature Center program schedule starts off with Dutch Oven Cooking: Soups and Stews, Saturday, Jan. 2. This beginner’s course will teach the basics of Dutch oven cooking with practical and timeless recipes. Register on or after Dec. 15 for one of two sessions. This program is for ages 14 and up.

Nature Art: Groundhog Day is Thursday, Jan. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome to scrapbook perfect pages for next month’s Groundhog day pictures. Make a two-page layout to highlight outdoor adventures on Groundhog Day while learning about these little native weather forecasters. Registration begins Jan. 2.

Make your own primitive arrow Saturday, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to use Native American techniques with materials native to Missouri such as river cane, turkey feathers, deer sinew, pine pitch and more. Each participant will have the opportunity to make one arrow. Registration for this program begins Dec. 15.

Saturday, Jan. 16, naturalists will tap trees in preparation for maple sugaring season. Join one of two programs at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to learn how to identify Sugar maple trees, select a tree to tap and try your hand at tapping a tree. This program only covers the tree tapping portion. Maple sugaring is scheduled for Feb. 13, after enough sap is collected. Adult supervision is required for ages 12 to 17. Registration begins Jan. 2.

Other January programs at the Nature Center are a winter garden tour Saturday, Jan. 23, a Nature’s Recyclers Puppet Show also Jan. 23, and a Winter Tree I.D. walk Saturday, Jan. 30. Call (573)290-5218 to register or inquire for more information about all Cape Nature Center programs or learn more at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Explore the Mighty Mississippi River with the Cape Nature Center

The Mississippi River as viewed from Cape Rock in Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Candice Davis)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – From Ste. Genevieve County to Dunklin County, Missouri’s southeast region touches about 250 miles of the Mississippi River. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites Missourians to learn more about the river at several upcoming events hosted by the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“We have events coming up for people at all levels of the comfort spectrum,” said Jamie Koehler, assistant manager of the Nature Center. “Some people just want to know more about the river, so we have our Nature Center at Night program for that. Others want to actually get out on the river and experience it, so we have two different opportunities for that, based on experience levels.”

On Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Nature Center will host Nature Center at Night, an event focused on providing an opportunity to explore the Nature Center after normal operating hours. This month, Nature Center at Night will focus in on the Mississippi River with hands-on displays and a presentation at 6 p.m. Youth and adult groups are welcome to attend.

For those who are ready to navigate the river, the Nature Center  will host a floating event Aug. 14 and 15. Experienced paddlers are welcome to enjoy a float from Trail of Tears State Park to Red Star Access on the Mississippi River. The group will enjoy lunch on a sandbar and explore the river with expert guides. This “Floatin’ on the River” event begins with a Friday night session about navigation, river flows, hazards and other information. This event is for paddlers 16 years and older. Registration is required and begins July 15 at the Nature Center.

Day on the River, Saturday, Sep. 12, will offer a chance to explore the river on boats driven by MDC biologists. This event at the Cape Girardeau Riverfront attracts thousands of people annually.

“Day on the River is a huge event where we celebrate the river all day with a great variety of activities right there on and next to the river,” Koehler said.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features live river animals, Asian carp samples, boat rides and much more. Everyone is welcome to attend and no registration is required.

“This event is designed to offer something to everyone with many different ways to learn about and explore the river,” Koehler said. “We want to help people discover nature and the Mississippi River is a great place to start.”

More information and registration information (if required) for each of these events can be found at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter or by calling (573)290-5218.