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Monarchs are migrating right now and this skittish individual took flight after investigating a zinnia planted at the West Plains Community Garden on Lincoln Street. Some flowers are lingering and warm weather has been keeping blooms fresh. The monarch butterfly travels thousands of miles from central Mexico, where they spend the winter, through the United States and as far as southern Canada, putting Missouri in the middle of their flight path. Unfortunately, the numbers of monarchs have declined steadily since the mid-1990s, likely due to reduction in habitat and food sources, plus increased use of pesticides and herbicides that can kill them, according to the organization Missourians For Monarchs. In spring the butterflies pass through Missouri again, laying eggs on milkweed plants, which are native to Missouri, for the resulting hatched butterflies to eat. Monarch Watch, a national organization dedicated to the preservation of the species, operates the Monarch Waystation program, in which citizen volunteers can create a habitat for the butterflies by planting milkweeds. According to the organization, there are two Monarch Waystations in West Plains: one at the Girl Scout Hut on Aid Avenue, and another on private property. Learn more about the effort at monarchwatch.org.

9/29/23

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

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

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

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