Outdoors | West Plains Daily Quill

West Plains Gazette Presents: The 4th Annual Quill Fall Photography Contest

Get your cameras ready, photographers! It's that time of the year again, and the West Plains Gazette is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 4th Annual Quill Fall Photography Contest. With the changing colors of autumn as your backdrop, this year's contest promises to be bigger, better, and more breathtaking than ever before. more

9/15/23

A garden spider, scientific name Argiope auranti, is a relatively common sight during the summer and fall, the females being both large and colorful as they spin webs to catch insect prey. This individual captured two flying insects within a few seconds of one another and scurried to quickly wrap them in silk strands for later consumption. The sharp-eyed may notice a large praying mantis with brown wings in the upper left corner of the scene, observing in camouflage, probably while also waiting to catch a meal. Both the spider and the insect are likely female, given their large size.

Garden spider, harmless to humans, is more friend than foe

An Argiope auranti, commonly known in the Ozarks as a garden spider or black-and-yellow garden spider, rests in the center of her web, spotted just off the walking trail at Galloway Creek. Females of this species are the only ones to spin webs, which are often quite large, in order to trap insects it wraps and eats. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 9/12/23

Rocky Falls is one of several hiking destinations in this year's fall hiking series within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Themed hikes will be guided by park rangers and held most Saturdays from Sept. 23 through Nov. 4.

ONSR offers guided fall hikes beginning Sept. 23

A schedule has been set for ranger-led themed fall hikes at parks within Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR), beginning Sept. 23 and running through Nov. 4, the Ozark Riverways Foundation has announced. All hikes have been categorized by skill level and how long and strenuous the walk is. more

9/8/23

Rick Mansfield is known for portraying historical characters from Ozarks history, often donning costumes and performing as a storyteller for Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Shannon County Museum events. Here, he portrays convict Thomas Capps, of Capps Hollow, during an event held Aug. 5 to celebrate the history and share the stories of Round Spring in Shannon County.

Locals, visitors gather to remember Round Spring, Camp Zoe history

Both locals and visitors braved summer humidity and blistering heat to remember the Round Spring area’s history, culture and people at Echo Bluff on Aug. 5. Round Spring is about 13 miles north of Eminence on Highway 19. more

8/25/23

Klepzig Mill in Shannon County may be the only existing mill in America that is constructed in the "sawmill house" style, with with vertical planks attached to a sill and plate rather than to a stud wall. The mill is named after Walter Klepzig, who owned it and an attached farm. He built it in 1928 and added a turbine that turned a grindstone for grinding corn into meal, for himself and neighbors.

Klepzig Mill: A glimpse into the Ozarks past

Modest, but located in a spectacular natural setting, Klepzig Mill in Shannon County is off the beaten path but worth the trip, and in close proximity to other significant geologic and historical locations. more

Kimberly Langston | 8/11/23

MDC's Shoal Creek Center plans virtual and in-person snake programs on July 27 Free events will show that these misunderstood reptiles need to be appreciated

JOPLIN, Mo. – Snakes are among Missouri’s most misunderstood animals. That’s unfortunate because underneath a snake’s frightful reputation is an animal that performs valuable pest-control services for humans and, with the exception of a few venomous species, is relatively harmless. more

7/22/23

A beautiful, but dangerous, silver maple tree.

The Silver Maple Conundrum: A tale of beauty and destruction

Known for their lush, fast-growing foliage, and stunning autumn color display, silver maple trees (Acer saccharinum) have long been popular among home gardeners and landscapers. Their size and beauty can add instant appeal and value to a property, making them a seemingly desirable addition to any yard. However, beneath this attractive facade lies a list of potential problems that are prompting experts to advise against their planting. more

Chris Herbolsheimer | 7/22/23

MDC July 29 virtual program to focus on archery maintenance Free online program will cover purchasing and caring for equipment

ASH GROVE, Mo. – Today’s archery enthusiast has many options when it comes to equipment. Whether you’re a bow hunter or a recreational target shooter, knowing what type of bow you need to buy and how to keep your equipment in good working order is a key to successful shooting. more

7/21/23

Authors Cygnet Brown, left, and Kerry Kelley have written "Gourmet Weeds," a collection of recipes made with foraged ingredients and household staples, sprinkled with Ozarks wisdom and history. The book is available at some area farmer's markets, the Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival on Friday and Saturday in West Plains, and online at walmart.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and bookshop.org.

Eat the weeds: Pair of Oregon County women pen cookbook tailored to the Ozarks

Two Alton area residents have coauthored a book they hope will be the first in a series that include anecdotes and advice rooted in the Ozarks, plus recipes and instruction in the use of homegrown and sustainable ingredients and the use of herbs in teas, dishes and home remedies. more

5/26/23

A healthy riparian corridor for a Missouri stream consists of an abundance of mature trees mixed with a dense vegetation.

Riparian corridors play critical role in conservation, protection of waterways

A riparian corridor is a stream’s last — and most important — line of defense from other issues occurring on the dry land on either side of the stream. more

By Jared Brassfield, Missouri Department of Conservation | 5/1/23

Former Missouri Department of Conservation Commissioner Don Bedell was recognized for decades of efforts in natural resources conservation during a ceremony held Tuesday to dedicate a 5,085-acre area within Peck Ranch as the Don C. Bedell Unit of the Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The area is the final portion of an 80,000-acre parcel purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 1991 and transferred at cost to MDC since then, and identified as a priority for study due to the diversity of flora and fauna species and geographical features. In the 30-plus years since the land’s purchase, The Nature Conservancy, MDC, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service have collaborated on that study and land management practices. From left: The Nature Conservancy Director of External Affairs Holly Neill, MDC Commissioner Emeritus Dave Murphy, Bedell, The Nature Conservancy State Director Adam McLane, MDC Regional Resource Management Business Section Chief Gus Raeker and Forest Service Natural Resources Specialist Liam Krause.

Former MDC commissioner honored with land dedication

VAN BUREN — A partnership that begin over 30 years ago between The Nature Conservancy, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has culminated in the dedication of 5,805 acres in Peck Ranch as the Don C. Bedell Unit of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/6/23