Get Out!

1. Take an imaginary journey through forests, streams, and other magical places at Nature Nuts Story Time and then participate in a hands-on nature activity. Ages 3–8. Discovery Center in Kansas City. July 2. Choose 10–11 a.m., 11 a.m.–noon, or
2. 1–2 p.m. Call 816-759- 7300 for more info.
3. Discover the cool things that live in the water at Aquatic Adventure and learn how an aquatic food chain works. St. Louis Regional Office in St. Charles. July 7, 9–11 a.m. Register at 636-441-4554.
4. Families are welcome to Discover Nature — Fishing: Frogging Clinic at Ted Shanks Conservation Area. Bring flashlights or headlamps, footwear that can get wet and muddy, and fishing permits for those 16 and older. July 8, 6 p.m. Call 573-248-2530 for more info.
5. Join us for a 21/2-mile levee hike to view Reptiles of the Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area in eastern St. Charles County. August 20, 8–11 a.m. Register at 636-441-4554.
6. Bees, flies, hummingbirds, and more — The Buzz About Pollinators shows you how to help these important, busy little beasts. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. August 27, 9 a.m.–noon. Call 573-290-5218 for more info.

It’s hot outside in July and August, but there are still lots of cool things to do!

Here are just a few.

1. July 1 - Blackberries are ripening — get out and pick some!
2. July 21 - Listen for katydids singing.
3. July 30 - Watch for young hummingbirds at feeders.
4. August 12 - The Perseid meteor shower peaks. Grab a blanket and sleep under the stars to catch the show.
5. August 17 - Snapping turtle eggs begin hatching.
6. August 29 - Whitetail bucks start rubbing velvet off their antlers. Look for their rubs on small trees.

Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.

What Is It?

Around and around my coil goes. “Danger to you!” red color shows. Threaten me, and I’ll ball up my “fist.” Then I’ll hide my head while you tangle with this.

Answer:

The prairie ring-necked snake looks harmless, but disturb it, and the little gray snake with a gold ring around its neck will flip over to show its cautionyellow belly and coil its alarming red tail. This trick makes it seem bigger and scarier than it really is, bluffing predators into backing off. Ring-necked snakes live under rocks, where they eat worms and other small prey, mostly at night.