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.  

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                                                                                                            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!

Wondering About Webworms? By Katharine Spigarelli

Webworms have invaded us!  Everywhere we look, they are there.  As we drive down the road, they envelop the limbs of the trees that line the roadways.  They invade the trees that inhabit our yards.  In the morning and evening light, they look like a veil covering the trees. They seem to have landed like an alien invasion. 

Webworms have always irritated me.  I’ve wondered what damage they were doing to the trees and shrubs that I love.  After a discussion at a recent Master Naturalist meeting, I was asked to do an article for our website to share some of the thoughts we discussed.  So, I began my research. 

Jeff Cantrell, our awesome Chert Glades advisor, assures us that the webworms do not normally cause lasting damage.  They come and they go, but the trees will survive.  It was hard for me to believe this because I was watching them consume large areas on the trees that I loved.  But, trusting Jeff, I tried to relax and not worry that they would cause irreparable harm.

Jeff’s assurances were confirmed in my research.  I learned that webworms, technically Fall Webworms, Hyphantria cunea, are native insects and do not usually cause irreparable damage because they attack the foliage later in the growth cycle, after the energy has been stored.  Different trees are usually targets from year to year and therefore the trees are able to recover.  If a tree is attacked year after year, recovery is more difficult.  The Fall Webworm attacks over 100 species of deciduous trees and shrubs.  It builds its web on the ends of branches.  The larvae will feed on the leaves of the tree for about 6 weeks, continually enlarging the web.  If you ever look closely at the web, you will see a mass of writhing caterpillars.  It looks repulsive.  They are feeding voraciously and look like something a horror movie could use to terrorize its audience.  At this point in the cycle, the “worms” (caterpillars) have turned into moths and left the webs.  What is left is the web and the withered remains of brown leaves and stems.  Although I am bothered when I see the damage caused by the webworms during this season, knowing that it is temporary is helpful.  It also helps to remember that it is all a part of the circle of life.

The Fall Webworm is sometimes confused with the Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma, spp.  It attacks the tree by building its web in the crotches of the tree and because it attacks earlier in the season, it can cause more irreparable damage.  Both the Fall Webworm and the Tent Caterpillar cause unsightly defoliation.  The webs may last into the winter when weather eventually causes it to fall away.  

Both species have natural predators, such as birds, small mammals, spiders and other insects, etc.  Some people who are annoyed with the webs and defoliation of trees on their property will tear open the web with a stick and let the birds have a feast. 

I used to think that I had to cut off the infected branch and soak it in gasoline (yes, horror!) or burn it in a burn pile.  This would sometimes leave my tree uneven or having large gaps.  Some people will want to spray with chemicals, but it is important to understand that those chemicals may also kill the birds that are feeding on the insects.  It would be better to just be patient and know that they will soon be gone.  Now that I know the damage is not normally permanent, I will relax. 

This year has been a banner year for the webworm.  All the factors necessary for them to thrive must have been right because there seem to have been more than I’ve ever remembered. 

I still do not like the looks of those nasty caterpillars eating away at my beautiful trees, but I can learn to live with them.  I will remind myself that they will soon be gone.  As with all things, a little knowledge goes a long way towards understanding.

Photos by Katharine Spigarelli and Kevin Mouser

EVENING ON THE PRAIRIE By Ann Butts

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It is impossible to walk a prairie and not use some time for reflection.  Sometimes rolling hills of grass, other times colors blazing, and still others mother nature’s fury on the plains.  You can experience all of this on a prairie walk.  Comfort in the tall swishing grass.  Wonder at the color available in the wildflowers.  Contrast between the wet boggy areas and dry mima mounds. The rich heritage of Missouri’s prairies includes the Osage Indians’ love and respect for this land.  In the book by Robert Liebert,Osage Life and Legends, he discusses their love of the prairies that helped sustain life for them.

“The home of the Osage was a lush and nurturing land, which they loved with an almost patriotic fervor, and praised it often in their songs, stories and prayers.”

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Members of the Chert Glades chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists bonded with our Osage forefathers on a recent evening walk at Coyne and Welsch prairies in southwest Missouri. Prairie walks among naturalists are full of discussion, discovery, and decompression.

We typically fan out into small groups each with a different objective.  This is not planned, it occurs naturally.  Some will discuss and photograph the sighting of certain plants, some will search for an endangered species, and others will simply walk with thoughtful gracefulness and observation. It is a site to behold, with the love of prairies so obvious in each person’s fervor.

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Jeff Cantrell (MDC) offered this summary of the evening’s events: “Our first evening was a lengthy walk (for I was short on time to scout), hindered by some standing water while we raced the twilight.  But now that I (we) know of some highway pull-offs the “valley of the blazing star” is very easy to reach.  However all of the site produces wonderful discoveries every time we go out. 

 Some of our discoveries include lots of Wild Petunia (Ruellia), Rattlesnake Master, various forms of Rudbeckia, and sunflower species ready to take control of the grassland.  My favorite was the seedbox clinging to the eroded banks.

 A handful of endangered regal fritillary butterflies, monarchs, pearl crescents, red-spotted purple, wood nymph, golden byssus (a skipper species), sooty wing skipper, silver spotted skipper, cloudless sulphurs, clouded sulphur, giant swallowtail, black swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, silvery checkerspots, variegated fritillary,  and several other Lepidopterans were along the walk.”

Blazing star was the hit of the evening.  Many naturalists could not believe the “sea of purple” they saw, and some could not wait to get to another prairie location to see if the purple was evident there.  It is this unique character of prairies, ever changing – ever the same, that draws us to them. You never know what you will find, each location seeming to have its own agenda on when certain plants will bloom.

The Osage Indians attempted to reflect the natural order of the earth in every part of their lives, with total respect for the natural world. Today’s master naturalists must have inherited that conviction from them.  Our view is to respect the peace, harmony and order of nature while continually learning how to preserve and protect it. There is no better way to accomplish this than to get out there and “be present” on prairies and other natural areas to observe firsthand the amazing glory that surrounds us.

Please enjoy photos from several of our talented photographers from our evening on the prairie.

GREEN GRASS BENEATH YOUR FEET! By Ann Butts

Diamond Grove Prairie

Local prairies are full of amazing color right now so it is fitting to spend some time during the week of the summer solstice observing a local prairie. I always find time during this week to visit some prairies because they are at their peak of blooming.

““I was raised on county sunshine, green grass beneath my feet.

Running through fields of daisies, wading through the creek.””

— Country Sunshine by Dottie West

 I was not raised in the country; I grew up in suburban St. Louis.  But that did not stop me from seeking out any tiny patch of green grass, fields of flowers, or a creek to wade in when I was young.  Summer was an endless time of staying outdoors hours at a time, exploring natural places, and searching for anything wild; turtles, snakes, bugs, and lots of dirt.

At a young age I was fascinated with wildflowers.  Not yet acquiring my “naturalist mentality” I picked some every day and had vases of flowers all over the house.  Today, I find it more satisfying to leave the flowers there for everyone to enjoy, and assure they can reseed for the next season.

Coreopsis

My favorite prairie, Diamond Grove, dressed itself in my favorite color, yellow, for the first day of summer.  Purple headed sneeze-weed, cownbeard, black eyed susans, and coreopsis created a yellow carpet wonderland for butterflies,  dragonflies and birds.

Indian Paint Brush

Poppy Mallow

Contrasting colors came from bright red-orange Indian paint brush, blue spider-wort, and pink sensitive brier.  Hard to find milkwort, wild petunia, and Deptford pinks shyly hid in the under-story of the tall grasses.

My second favorite prairie, Linden Prairie, was ablaze with color.  Dark pink poppy mallow waved above the tall grasses, gray-headed cone flowers delicately shifted their heads in the wind, and bright yellow ox-eye sunflowers beamed in the sunlight.

At Linden Prairie, I recorded eight species of butterflies and two types of dragonflies while listening to dickcissels and many other birds call from one end of the prairie to the other.  I had the whole prairie to myself, which was both wonderful and sad at the same time.  Sad because others were missing what I got to enjoy.

Wood nymph butterfly

Many cultures observe the summer solstice as a turning point in the year.  On the prairie, it is also a turning point.  It is the beginning of the end as wildflowers are at their peak and we begin to observe the seeds of summer’s end. So get out there and absorb some country sunshine and get some green grass beneath your feet on a local prairie.  You will be better for it!

Ann Butts has been a member of Chert Glades Master Naturalists since 2005. Preserving wildflowers and prairies are high on her list of worthwhile Missouri projects.   “My goal, through my photography, writing, and volunteerism is to help people think about nature, learn about nature, and respect nature.” 

Hidden Signs of Spring by Kevin Mouser

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The spring colors are on the way! Trees are showing signs of life with buds getting green, birds are returning from vacations in the Southern Hemisphere, and the peepers are keeping us up at night with their mating calls from any little wet area near our houses. These are all clear signs of spring. Many of us spend the better part of February and March repeating a mantra of “spring is just around the corner.” When we gather with our friends, neighbors, loved ones and fellow employees the conversation often turns to signs of spring. There is one sign of spring that many of us don’t even know about even though we drive past it, or over it, every day.

Every spring, as the cycles of light change, and the water begins to flow a little more regularly; the streams of the Ozarks begin to color up. The color comes in the forms of red, blue, and green scales on small, unknown fishes. Not unlike the migration of the birds back to our forests, the fish regain their color for spring breeding on their own time schedule. Some of them like to breed early, when only the most die-hard fish-head would consider going into a stream to look for them. Some, not unlike most of us, enjoy the warmth of a late spring day to strut our stuff. With the exception of a few of the dry or hot months of the late summer or fall, there is almost always a fish in breeding colors in Missouri.

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Here in the deepest of Southwest Missouri we have several species of darter, a bottom dwelling, small fish that loves to dress to impress in the early spring. The male orange throat darter sports a beautiful combination of red and blue in his fins. These guys can be so colorful that is possible to see their colors from the shore. If you want to see one though you will have to look in the cool spring fed waters that they prefer. Greenside and banded darters both sport a coat of emerald green when they are trying to attract the attention of the ladies. You will find both of these in bigger streams like Shoal Creek, and around vegetation where their brilliant green isn’t quite so obvious. Stippled darters are a less common, but beautiful species of our small creeks. Like the orang throat darters they prefer the small springs and cool waters. They spend much of their time around vegetation. When they are trying to attract a mate they sport a bright orange belly, while the rest of the body turns very dark. They are quite the little gem to pull out of a mass of submerged weeds. These are just a few of the colorful darters of Southwest Missouri.

Spring is on the way. The darters know it, the robins know it and judging by the number of times I have glanced out the window longingly as I write this, I know it too. Brave the cold and rain a bit and get outside and welcome it. If bravery is calling your name, maybe you will even put on a pair of rubber boots and go look for some hidden signs of spring in your local streams. However you want to greet spring, please take the time to leave it a little better than you found it.

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.

Photography by Kevin Mouser and Becky Wylie

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