Wandering through fields of sunflowers has become an annual summer tradition in the St. Louis area. Several local farms and conservation areas plan to have fields full of these beauties again this summer, though as with most crops, their growth is weather dependent.
There is truly no place in Missouri quite like Pickle Springs Natural Area. A National Natural Landmark, Pickle Springs is between Ste. Genevieve and Farmington and boasts a 2-mile hiking trail with more than 12 geological features. The natural area is also home to numerous uncommon plant species and plenty of aquatic animals.
Sustainability is in full bloom at the Missouri Botanical Garden's new Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. The new center, which opened to the general public Aug. 27, highlights the garden's ongoing commitment to preserving plant life through energy efficiency and water-saving features, a variety of plant species, improved accessibility, expanded dining and retail, and plant-themed architectural details.
While it might be tempting to stay in your nest during the cold winter months, an opportunity to spot visiting bald eagles in their natural habitat can be a great excuse to bundle up and get outdoors. Whether you're looking for organized eagle day events or places to fly solo, you'll find plenty of options for spotting our national symbol in St. Louis.
Birdwatching can be a fun way to get outdoors, get active and explore nature as a family. For beginners, simply hanging a birdfeeder outside your window is a great place to start. For those seeking an adventure, head out to a local trail, conservation area or nature preserve with a birdwatching guide and a pair of binoculars and see how many birds you can spot in the wild. Here are a few resources to get you started in your new hobby.
While much of our community is in lockdown mode to help stop the spread of COVID-19, those charged with protecting animals and rehabilitating injured wildlife are continuing to ensure their patients receive the care they need to survive. Rhea Bridges is a member of the animal care staff at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Ballwin, a local organization that helps rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife and release healthy animals to their natural habitat. We talked to Bridges about the types of animals the center sees this time of year, how operations have been impacted by COVID-19 and what families can do to learn more about Missouri wildlife.
Decades ago during the very coldest winters, St. Louisans waited anxiously for that special moment when the Mississippi River would disappear. The river didn’t technically go anywhere—it was just hidden beneath a solid surface of ice that could measure up to 3 feet thick.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Saint Louis Zoo is temporarily closed to the public until further notice as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). All public and private events as well as educational programs are canceled through at least April 22, 2020. The zoo will determine plans to reopen at a later date. Families can stay connected to the zoo through #BringTheStlZooToYou. Visit the Saint Louis Zoo's website for more information.
It’s no secret that the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the top attractions in the United States, but did you know it’s also a leader in protecting animal habitats around the world? To learn more about the zoo’s conservation efforts, I stopped in for a behind-the-scenes visit at the Penguin and Puffin Coast and chatted with Sydney Oliveira, zoological manager of birds.
Earth Day is a great opportunity to spark a conversation with your child about caring for our planet, and with numerous parks, gardens and natural areas, there are plenty of fun ways to continue that conversation throughout the year. Plan an outing to these St. Louis destinations, which are sure to inspire a lifelong love of nature in your child.