CHAPTER MEMBERS DOCUMENT SPRING HAPPENINGS!

Members of the Chert Glades Chapter are out in the area seeking signs of spring; hiking, exploring and sharing their finds.  Walk with us as we show you what we’ve been up to and what to expect right now in the wild.  Get out there yourself and enjoy this early spring!

 Jeff Cantrell – “Greetings Naturalists. To us spring arriving early conveys an abundance.  The wheels and cogs are certainly turning in the web of life machine.  I walked the Eagle Roost Trail, Roaring River State Park, after work yesterday, so much is ahead of schedule, at this rate morel mushrooms could be following Easter.  Sweet William, Hepatica & Bloodroot (at its peak), Trout lily, Dutchman’s Breeches, pussy toes, toothwort (passed its prime) are all along the slopes.”

 Becky Wylie – Becky has been busy documenting spring blooms on the Facebook page for Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. 

New member, Caroline Perigo documented the Saturday field session hike at Prairie State Park.  Members learned about prairie history, ecology and preservation, and enjoyed a great day at Prairie State Park!

Karen Garver and Ann Butts documented a Saturday field session at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Bicentennial Park in Neosho.  The morning session covered mammals with Jeff Cantrell and lots of hands-on activities.  Members learned how the hatchery contributes to pallid sturgeon species recovery, recovery efforts for threatened or endangered native mussels, and recovery of the Topeka Shiner.  At Bicentennial Park, Keith Jones led the class on a hike and exercise in habitat maintenance and recovery.

 New member, Karen Richardson, worked on her capstone project at the Outdoor Nature Lab at Monett High School.  Close to 90 Missouri native plants were chosen for planting because of their soil conservation properties. “The nine-bark and choke berry are really leafing out nicely,” she says.  “I am especially looking forward to seeing the cypress start greening up.” 

Member and artist Joyce Haynes documented her visit to Wah kon ta Prairie to view endangered prairie chickens by writing and using her amazing talent to draw a prairie chicken in her journal. 

ALL THAT WHITE! by Kevin Mouser

When my parents call me from St. Louis, one of the go to questions in the spring is, "Are the dog woods blooming?" They know that this will never get a straight answer from me, but they love me so they tolerate my rambling stories about the wonderful springs here in southwest Missouri. Dog wood trees are definitely a popular tree, they have festivals, roads, and many other things named after them. Many towns even sponsor a day of driving in the country with just the purpose of seeing these lore wrapped beauties in bloom.

What if I told you that most of the white trees you are admiring aren't dog woods? Is that horrible news or are you suddenly excited about the diversity and beauty our region has to offer? Well, if you are excited, let me tell you about a small white tree that decorates our fence rows and forest edges. After it finishes decorating our world and being one of our first harbingers of spring it finishes the year with a sweet treat, if you are quick enough to find one. What is this wonder of our world? The wild plum tree.

Enjoy the spring and all the beautiful white flowers, but know that there is diversity in them there hills, and you are getting just a glimpse of it. If you are intrigued by this hint of diversity then maybe leave the road and explore a conservation area or state park. There are a myriad of beautiful, small flowers that you need to see to believe.

A NATURALIST'S EYE by Ann Butts

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”

― Albert Einstein

Anyone that has routinely studied our natural surroundings by “getting out there,” has a Naturalist’s Eye.  Naturalists love to spend time observing and recording natural events; an endangered flower on the prairie, an eagle “watching us” in a park, and a flock of thousands of snow geese landing on a lake.  Yes, we’ve done all that and much more as Missouri Master Naturalists. 

While Master Naturalists have considerable training opportunities available from many experts, it is with our eyes that we become Naturalists.  Our eyes lead us out to prairies, woods and lakes filling our minds with mysterious experiences that become education.    Our eyes are open to conservation needs, and that spurs our hands to actively pursue projects to protect nature. Our eyes are the windows through which our hearts receive love and devotion to nature, so we can share it each in our own particular way.

The person who said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” regarding art must have had a Naturalist’s eye.  Many famous painters worked outdoors to capture natural forms.  John James Audubon could not have created his famous watercolors of birds without spending so much time observing them in their natural habitats.  Claude Monet’s outdoor paintings hang in many famous museums worldwide.  He attributed his eye for nature to be his most important accomplishment when he said of himself; “My only merit lies in having painted directly in front of nature, seeking to render my impressions of the most fleeting effects.” Monet was known for dragging his contemporaries, Renior, Sisley and Brazille, also famous artists, on his outdoor excursions. Such famous artists, all with the eye of a naturalist, brought nature to others.  Who would challenge that these famous artists were not “naturalists?” 

Who is better to become an advocate for conservation of natural resources than those who love and study nature like Master Naturalists?  Each of us has particular interests and talents, along with the drive to preserve and protect our natural surroundings.  Each of us finds a way to share our knowledge by unobtrusive measures to those whose minds are open to learning along with us.   Each of us has our eyes open waiting for the beauty of nature to inspire us.  After all, anyone who does not “stand in rapt awe” at the sight of a tiny bug, a delicate flower, or a purple sunrise, must be those who truly have their eyes closed. 

Ann Butts has been a member of the Chert Glades Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists since 2005.  She loves "thinking about nature, learning about nature, and respecting nature," through Master Naturalist activities. You can find her photography website and nature blog under Natural Thoughts Photography and Natural Thoughts Blog. 

WINTER SUNSETS ARE THE BEST By Katharine Spigarelli

Everyone loves sunsets. Sunsets grace the covers of travel magazines and brochures. People talk endlessly about the sunset they saw on this beach or that beach. Photographers are always trying to capture that perfect sunset picture. On Facebook, people share photos of the sunset they saw that night. Sunsets are definitely inspiring and enchanting. But, have you noticed how sunsets in the winter seem even more beautiful?

I was curious about whether I was actually seeing a more beautiful sunset in winter or if it was all in my imagination. In my thinking, I had decided that the air must be cleaner and crisper in the winter, resulting in more beautiful sunsets. I thought about the heat you can see rising off the pavement in the summer and thought this might affect the sunset. But, I’m no scientist, so I did some research to find out if there was a scientific explanation. Turns out, there is.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) affirms that late fall and winter sunsets are indeed more beautiful. Steven Corfidi, a meteorologist with NOAA, says that winter sunsets tend to be more colorful because “the air along the path of the ray of sunlight tends to be dryer and cleaner.” In an article in Mother Earth News, December 2014, titled “Why sunrises are more amazing in the winter," they report that NOAA states, "Because air circulation is more sluggish during the summer… late fall and winter are the most favored times for sunrise and sunset viewing over most of the United States."  So, sunsets are more beautiful in the winter.

Now, get out there and take advantage of these last few weeks of winter and enjoy those sunsets, and if you are an early riser, enjoy the sunrises. You won’t be disappointed.

Katharine Spigarelli joined the Master Naturalists in 2010, but she feels she has been a naturalist all her life. She grew up in the country and being outdoors is where she loves to be.  Photography is a passion and nature photography, in particular, inspires her.  She is proud to be a tree hugger.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF STELLA MISSOURI by Kevin Mouser

Greetings to you all, and thank you for coming and visiting the sleepy little town of Stella, Missouri where the eagles hang out in down town. We were glad to have you as our guests on a chilly Saturday in January. If you weren’t able to join us this year, I hope you were safely snuggled up in a blanket watching nature documentaries involving warm tropical waters and sun soaked beaches. Maybe you can don your fuzzy coat and join us next year? It really is a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and see some of the most amazing birds!

The Festival of Eagles brings many people to Stella from some pretty great distance, but I wanted to write to you today as a master naturalist who lives in Stella year round. I wanted to share with you some of the sights and sounds of Stella and the country side around it, and not just in the blustery, cold days of January. Stella has many great things to offer to someone who is interested in the natural world and seeing wildlife. The greatest thing about the wild lands surrounding Stella is that they are so easy to access. Most of the wildlife viewing, as you found out while watching eagles, can be done from the comfort of your car. Some of it though requires getting your feet wet and that is where we will start.

Indian Creek starts around Stella as three little branches all meandering and gurgling west. Maybe you noticed the one branch, the most southern of the three, which flows right through the middle of town and next to our little park. That clear and clean little stream is host to many underwater denizens and even some that hang out above the water. Just this past summer a Baltimore oriole created an amazing feat of engineering and built a nest right where the creek passes under the bridge in town. It is only in a town like Stella where you can park in the middle of the bridge for an hour and watch an oriole build a hanging nest of grass and not bother anyone else’s traffic schedule. On that same location, on another day the drama of a cow bird trying to steal that nest played out in front of my eyes. The male oriole knew what was at risk and, ever vigilant, drove off the cow bird at every turn. Far below this sight was another under the water.

Indian Creek is home to some small, but amazing, fishes. If you are brave enough to get in the water starting in March then you might get to see some of these jewels. The easiest to view are the orange throat darters. The males compete for territory and for the attention of picky females by showing off fins painted in bright reds and blues. They dance and wiggle their flamboyant colors across the bottom of the stream with either a message of love or a message of competition, depending on who is there to watch. Believe it or not though, these aren’t the most colorful fish in the stream. Later in the spring and early summer the cardinal shiners will start looking for clean, fast flowing riffles to spawn over and when they do, they will flip a switch and turn from little silver minnows into a red blast of colors worthy of their name. If you are in the right place at the right time and you take a moment to glance at the waters of Indian Creek you will see it running red, not with the blood of fallen Civil War soldiers as once happened in this area, but with the colors of male cardinal shiners competing for the opportunity to chase a girl through the cold waters.

If getting into the water on a cold spring morning doesn’t sound like a great idea, then maybe consider visiting us in the late summer when we become home to a myriad of wildflowers that make our roadsides look like someone forget to put the lid on the paints before driving around. Yellows, oranges, reds and purples all sway in the warmth of the late evening breezes. The different varieties of sunflowers all tower into the glow and beg beautifully for the title of biggest, yellow flower. The butterfly weed with its crown of small blooms handily wins the best in orange award.  Butterfly weed and purple milkweed both attract their own tourists as the butterflies start to store up energy for their plans for the winter months. The cone-flowers, which almost seem melancholy with their drooping petals, can stretch for miles down the sides of the country roads and are a subtle reminder to the children that school is once again about to come to session. Maybe they are in fact empathetic to the pleas of the young kids of the area? If you are brave enough to eat at the roadside tables of Stella then I would tell you to check out a menu of passion fruit with its exotic flower and blackberries which do not give up a sweet treat without first collecting a price if you are not careful. All of these treats, both of the eye and the mouth can be found on a late summer day on the country roads of Stella.

I hope you enjoyed the time you had to visit with our national symbol while you were visiting Stella. I hope you had a chance to meet someone new, feathered or otherwise, and I hope you learned something. We were glad to have you as our guests, and please take the opportunity to come back to Stella in the spring or summer to see what nature has to offer you then. Make sure you bring your binoculars though; you never know who might be sitting on a strand of barbed wire waiting for you to take a look.

Kevin Mouser is a member of the Chert Glades Master Naturalist Chapter.  He is the Special Education Science teacher, Ecology teacher and Science Club sponsor at East Newton High School. When he is not teaching, driving a school bus or sleeping, he really enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife Cristal and getting into the great waters of the Missouri Ozarks.

FIRST DAY HIKE By Katharine Spigarelli

The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and it was a perfect day for a hike. Almost every New Year’s Day I’ve gone on some kind of outdoor adventure with friends. This year the First Day Hike at Prairie State Park beckoned me. First Day Hikes are sponsored by America’s State Parks and provide individuals and families an opportunity to get outdoors and experience some of nature’s wonders in the winter.

There were numerous First Day Hikes at state parks in Missouri and we were lucky that one was held so close to us. My nephew and his son were visiting and Jaden, 6 years old, had never seen a bison. It was perfect. We got a bit of a late start and had to make haste to catch the group who were already on the trail of a group of bison. When we caught up, Dana Hoisington, park naturalist, was leading a group of around 30 people across the prairie and stopping along the way to share information about bison, prairies, and history.

We learned about the benefits of the prairie for our ecosystem and how prairies are more endangered than rain forests. We learned that once a prairie has been plowed, it can never be restored to the potential it once had. We learned that a field of fescue left to grow is not a prairie. It is a monoculture and prairies are diverse and offer habitat and support for a wide variety of wildlife. We learned about the difference between buffalo and bison. We hiked for almost an hour, walking and stopping to learn, before we actually saw any bison. It was awesome to watch as this mixed group of people, young and old, listened with interest and anticipation.

When we finally reached a vantage point where we could actually see the bison, a group of maybe 7 or 8, we were probably a quarter of a mile away. We watched quietly and those who had binoculars got a closer look. We moved closer and the bison group watched us. It was obvious that our large group made them nervous and before we were able to get much closer, they decided to move. Their movement led them back toward the visitor’s center, where we were also going. As we walked back along the road, there was more talking and several stopped to pick up some trash along the sides of the road. We were excited when the bison once again came into view. But, they were still nervous about us and continued to move. Our group continued back to the visitor’s center.

I think all who were present were satisfied to have spent the afternoon of the first day of the new year hiking on the prairie. For me, it was rewarding to have seen my great-nephew see a bison for his first time. Back at the visitor’s center, we were welcomed by warmth and hot chocolate. Jaden and Abbie, daughter of fellow master naturalist, Erin Miller, enjoyed searching the display for all the “hidden” flora and fauna. It was a great experience. Thanks to Prairie State Park and Dana Hoisington for providing this opportunity for our area.

RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD - Magical Indian Creek by Keith Jones

“I am haunted by waters.”-Norman Maclean in A River Runs Through It.

 Rivers seem to hold magical sway over everywhere they flow.  Their ecological and scientific qualities cannot be overstated, but the philosophical and spiritual aspects of a river impact us greatly as well.  To be sure, the ecological questions are of vast importance, and protecting a river is a priority; however, the magic found in flowing water leaves an indelible mark on one’s soul, if one only pays attention.

 I am blessed to live within a 10 minute drive of the major rivers of McDonald County.  Big Sugar is close enough I consider it to be my “backyard,” and Indian Creek is only slightly further away, but to the north.  The “Mighty” Elk forms in Pineville before meandering slowly to Oklahoma.  Indian Creek, however, has become my favorite of these streams.

 There is a bluff along Indian Creek that continues to haunt me.  It sits on the south edge of a fast riffle, and falls off quickly to the west.  The other side of the stream is formed by a small emerald pool, and a gravel bar just wide enough to sit and enjoy the scenery.  The first time I visited this spot it was about noon, and the sunlight streamed down through the silver maples and sycamores up the ravine.  Along the top of the bluff, cedars and little blue-stem hung on for dear life, while wild wildflowers proved their tenacity by not only sprouting, but blooming in the few places they managed to get a foothold along the bluff’s face.  I had tried unsuccessfully to coax a small-mouth out of the pool, so I sat down on the cold gravel and stared at the bluff’s face.  In my mind’s eye, I could see countless generations along the bluff and down into the ravine.  Young Indians padded happily along under the ancestors of the maples and sycamores there now, while the ancestors of those Indians watched from the behind the cedars along the top of the bluff.  I felt as if the ghosts of these generations past watched from the shadows of the trees.  I would like to think they approved of my presence, and I remained reverent as I sat there.  I certainly approve of their haunt.  

 The bluffs along all of my rivers have been worn down and smoothed out by time.  These are Maclean’s “basement of time” and the river has slowly carved them into shape.  Unfortunately, not all worshipers are as respectful of this ancient sanctuary and places where these bluffs are lined by the road bear marks attesting to stupidity.  Mark may love Angie, but Hallmark is a better conveyor of that sentiment than Rustoleum.  I can’t help but wonder how they could have missed the river’s magic.  Probably alcohol.

 And the trees!  Sycamores hang vicariously right at the water’s edge, seemingly defying gravity.  Occasionally, a flood provides the impetus for one to fall in the stream, adding a challenge to floater, but homes to the small-mouth.  Maples grow in the shade of sycamores, and an occasional cottonwood.  While I was paddling along Indian Creek as silently as possible, a soft breeze began blowing leaves out of the sycamores; a portend of autumn.  In many places, the stream narrows, and the end of the branches begin growing into each other, forming a tunnel.  I will have to go back once the leaves begin turning.  The magic that grows from the stream into the wildflowers during spring and summer also grows into the trees in the fall, as bright yellows get interrupted by flames of red Virginia creeper.  As if to show that the magic is still there, goldenrod and asters continue blooming into October, sweetening the breeze that knocks the leaves from the trees.

 As I floated along, I was startled by a screeching from overhead.  An osprey was clearly agitated by something.  It kept diving toward the top of tree before doing a quick turn and diving again.  As I rounded the corner, I saw the antagonist in the osprey’s story.  A bald eagle was perched in the top of the tree.  The town just wasn’t big enough for the two of ‘em.  My presence in the kayak disrupted their debate, and both raptors flew off to other fishing grounds.  

 The osprey, eagle, and myself weren’t the only fishers there that day.  Great Blue Herons stalked quietly along the edges, providing an example of intense patience and skill.  Green herons hopped through the tops of downed trees, watching for small fish, and Belted Kingfishers announced their annoyance at my presence.  I only hope they were experiencing better luck than I.

 I never leave a stream the same person I was when I first put my kayak in the water.  There’s too much magic in the water for that to happen, and I pray it never ceases to have an effect on me.  I am haunted by Indian Creek.  May it always be so. 

Keith Jones Bio:  

I grew up on a small farm outside of Anderson, Mo.  Since I was a child I have loved spending time in the woods, and the small patch of woods near my house left an indelible mark on who I am.  I joined Missouri Master Naturalist to meet like minded folks, and to find opportunities to expand my passion for nature.  I have been a member for only two years, and have met some great friends in our chapter.  One of my favorite past times is floating Indian, Big Sugar, or Elk River near my home, and I am blessed to live within 6 miles of all three creeks.  I also enjoy hiking Big Sugar Creek State Park and Roaring River State Park.  I am currently teaching Junior High Science at White Rock Junior High, near Little Sugar Creek in Jane, Missouri.  

FOREST FASHION - AMERICA'S TOP MODELS

                                                                                                            Fall along Bee Creek

Field Notes by J. Cantrell

 Mark this moment friends.  The cooler seasons in the Ozarks is the ideal time for tree study for the budding naturalist in us all.  Some people fret as the days grow shorter, but as the sunshine gives way to early retirement, the spotlight of autumn goes to our native trees.  They are the true top models and they simply shine on nature’s runway.

As autumn carries on we see a transition of wardrobe for each tree species into splendor fall attire. The bright burning hue of the sumacs is usually the first to ignite the show. This season dogwood burgundy, mulberry lemon, blackjack red, and the brilliant yellows of coffee tree and beloved hickories are always the trend.  The forest will appear to be a changing color wheel for a three week period; tree species seem to take turns on which plant is the top model for the day making every autumn walk or Sunday drive unique.

A hike in the countryside is always in style among friends.  A good walk is prescribed by physicians, woodsmen and camera buffs alike; benefiting one’s cardio, our social media photos and strengthening friendships.

 Naturalist John Muir is not known for his fashion sense, but he did recognize the need for a walk in the woods. 

 “I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do. They go wandering forth in all directions with every wind “…“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”  – John Muir

No two falls are alike, whether in depth of color or our available days to get out and enjoy a trail.  My suggestions for enjoying the fall fashion show include Roaring River State Park, Hobbs State Park and Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area for hiking and nature viewing. For those who prefer to drive, 39 Highway between Aurora and Shell Knob or Highway 112 between Roaring River and Seligman are excellent trips to soak up the scenery. Even once the leaves are shed, the forest models hold a beauty of their own. For the naturalist, the tree study continues, as the wonder of the trees is more than skin deep.  I hope to see you on the trail.  - Jeff

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Jeff is a local Neosho biologist and tree enthusiast.  Questions on native tree id, field guide recommendation and places to hike can be directed to Jeff at coyoteteacher2@gmail.com  or the local master naturalist website www.chertglades.org

 Photos by Ann Butts

What a Wonderful World! By Billie Mullins

Everyone enjoys the variety of butterflies and moths, but did you know that there is also a huge variety of grasshoppers, ants, bees, flies, etc.? Insects are very important as pollinators and one of the lower items on the food chain for birds and animals.

 There have been various news articles in recent years about the plight of honey bees and monarch butterflies. Habitat loss and the use of insecticides and pesticides played a role in their decline. But there are some simple things we can do to play a role in preventing their decline.

 When you spray to get rid of an unwanted insect pest, you may also be harming several beneficial insects as well. A natural remedy would be just as effective and not as harmful to the environment. Consider using natural remedies for garden pests in your own gardens to help protect our pollinators. You can find a list of harmful and “friendly” remedies for garden pests at MU Extension’s website.  http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g7274

 Another suggestion is to plant native varieties. Native plants require less maintenance and are more beneficial to insects. Exotics are okay for some of your plantings—but you should check to make sure they are not invasive before you plant.

 Most of our drinking water comes from rivers, lakes and wells. What we put on the ground may end up in our drinking water. A corridor of trees and plants along streams helps clean up the run-off of fertilizers and pesticides from agriculture fields. Rain gardens help do the same in yards. Human and animal urine affects life in the river as does discarding trash in the river and along the banks. Helping to clean up river corridors, planting along rivers and streams, and building rain gardens all will help protect our drinking water.

 In the past, Native American Indians honored and cared for the land they lived on, and today we are now the custodians of the earth. Just thinking of ourselves as custodians of the earth is the first step to using some of these simple solutions to save and protect our environment.

 Creation is a beautiful tapestry with everything in nature connected---try not to unravel it. Get outside and go exploring, even if it is in your own backyard. You may be amazed at what you find and what you can learn.

INVITE A MONARCH TO LUNCH! PLANT MILKWEED! by Val Frankoski

The secret to having Monarch Butterflies in your yard is milkweed. That’s it!!! The relationship between Monarch butterflies, their caterpillars and milkweed is not a casual one. It has developed over thousands of years. As a result…the caterpillars are very selective…picky eaters. Chemicals produced within all milkweeds protect the plants from being eaten by most animals…but not Monarchs. Monarchs are able to consume and deposit these same chemicals within their own bodies. This makes them taste very bad and protects them from many predators

Milkweed is the only thing a Monarch caterpillar can eat in order to grow and transform into the Monarch butterfly we all know and love. Without caterpillars…there would be no butterflies. Milkweed is considered their host plant. Female Monarchs come to milkweed plants to lay their eggs, because they don't have a choice. Milkweed is the only plant a female Monarch will use to lay her eggs.  If you want to guarantee that Monarch butterflies come to your yard or garden, you have got to plant some variety of milkweed. 

If you’ve been thinking about planting this season, November is definitely the best time for most of us to complete this simple task. In SW Missouri, we should have experienced our first frost by then, but it’s too warm for the ground to be frozen and too cold for seeds to sprout prematurely.

Fall is the best time for planting, since seeds need a cold treatment, called cold stratification, before they will sprout. Old Man Winter can take care of this naturally…or seeds can be kept in cold storage in a garage or outside building, or even collected from pods that wintered outdoors. Otherwise, they must be kept in the refrigerator for about 6 weeks prior to planting. 

Tips on different ways for planting milkweed seeds:

1.       The easiest way is to sprinkle some seeds around where you want them to grow after a killing frost. In southwest Missouri this would be late October. Make sure seeds have good contact with the soil.  The seeds experience winter and know when it’s time to get growing in the spring. Definitely the easiest method, but it’s hard to remember to look for them in the spring and to recognize the seedlings, so a plant label or other marker is advisable.

2.       A better method would be:

A.      Scrape off any weeds, rocks or other debris several weeks ahead of time in the area where you want to plant milkweed. To ensure success when establishing any native plant from seed, it is critical to first eliminate existing weed cover and reduce the amount of weed seed in the soil. Repeated shallow cultivation prior to planting is usually effective (The secret is to NOT scratch the surface deeply which can pull too many weed seeds up to the surface where they can grow and compete with your seedlings.)

B.      Just before planting (after the first killing frost) scratch the surface again to loosen the soil. Use the length of your hand to estimate approximate seed spacing. Cover the seeds lightly and water them into place. NOTE: Seeds can move over winter and some won’t germinate so exact spacing now is a waste of time.

C.      A label and a LIGHT coating of FINE mulch are good ideas, but no further care is needed until springtime when you should water seedlings during their first season as needed.

D.      1-2 months after your seedlings have sprouted next spring, consider transplanting to achieve correct spacing for your specific milkweed.

3.       Rather than just sprinkling the seeds at random, you might want to sow them in pots in the fall after a killing frost, insert a plant label, and then sink the pots into the ground to wait for spring. A plant label is important!

4.       If you choose to wait until springtime to plant your seeds, you will need to give them a cold treatment called stratification. To do this:

A.      Combine seeds with an equal or greater volume (up to 3 times) of dampened sand, perlite, vermiculite, or other sterile media. The media should be damp, not wet; it should not drip when squeezed! Some people place seeds between damp paper towels.

B.      Place seed and media in a sealed plastic bag and store the bag in your refrigerator (NOT freezer) for about 6 weeks until you are ready to plant. This is “artificial winter” for the seeds.

C.      Whether seeds are sown indoors or outdoors, the soil in the planted area must be kept moist for the entire germination period.

Patience is necessary! Even under ideal conditions, milkweed planted from seed may require more than one growing season to appear and become established. Try to have groups of at least 3 to 6 plants in order to more effectively catch the attention of passing Monarchs.  Carefully weed your milkweed garden to encourage growth of the milkweed.

Also, while Monarch caterpillars munch only milkweed, the adult Monarch butterflies sip their food from nectar supplying flowers, including milkweed.  To lure them in, it is also important to have other flowers with nectar to furnish an attractive buffet. When you are planting nectar sources, try to choose plants that will provide flowers throughout the growing season. Asters and Goldenrod are especially helpful during Monarch fall migration.

If you are impatient, you can always purchase native milkweed from a source in your area. In Missouri,we always recommend Missouri Wildflower Nursery (http://www.mowildflowers.net/).

Remember, it is important to plant both nectar flowers and milkweed native to your area when you want to invite a Monarch to lunch!