Missouri Conservationist October 2011

2011·6.9 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
Serving nature & You
Volume 72, Issue 10, october 2011 •
[ ]
Note to our readers
Mentoring a New Generation
W
ow, it’s september already. By the time this magazine is
distributed, it’ll be october. What a glorious time of year! I
recently celebrated my 58th birthday on sept. 1. that particular

date brings back many fond memories of squirrel hunting on souri’s natural treasures. Many opportunities exist to take a
opening day in my home state of Illinois. I still remember the child on a managed youth hunt where they can experience their
sleepless nights on Aug. 31. I couldn’t wait to get to the woods. first waterfowl, quail or deer hunt. Other fall activities such as
I know I drove my mom and dad crazy banging around in fishing or hiking abound here in Missouri. Our Partners such
the kitchen very early on the morning of opening day. After as the National Wild Turkey Federation host jakes events that
gathering my gear and getting out the door, I’d hike around teach youngsters about Missouri’s wild turkey and the intrigue
corn and bean fields and across pastures to get to “Tony’s of hunting this wily bird. In a recent Missouri’s Trapper Asso-
Timber.” Tony was the neighboring farmer who let anyone ciation magazine, Missouri Mountain Men, I read an article on
hunt on his land. All you had to do was ask permission. a local trapper who spent time with a 4-H Club so those youth
Usually, I was there so early I would spend an hour or so in could learn about that important wildlife management tool. I
complete darkness listening and observing the woods wake applaud these and other partner efforts that engage youth in
up. To this day, I remember the first time a saw I pair of flying Missouri’s hunting, fishing and trapping heritage.
squirrels come home to roost in their den tree at dawn. As we all know, managing and sustaining natural resourc-
I have often thought of how fortunate I was to have a dad es is all about the balance between sustaining the resource and
that took me on my first squirrel hunt. I still remember that day meeting human desires. One of my responsibilities as deputy
vividly. My dad was a man of few words but a great teacher. He director is to serve as chairman of the Department’s Regula-
pointed out many things in the woods that day beyond squirrel tions Committee. Development of Wildlife Code regulations is
hunting. We found some fall mushrooms and feasted on wild one of the most important responsibilities of the Department.
plums. We tramped through different habitats and looked for The challenge is to find the balance between natural resource
signs from many different critters. needs and the public’s desire to access and use those resources.
My Uncle Steve taught me the finer points of processing It is a complex and interesting challenge.
a deer, and our neighbor, Leonard, took me on my first fishing As you might expect, views differ on how well the Depart-
trip to the Illinois River. ment meets the desires of citizens. Again, it is all about finding
Thinking back on these experiences, I have come to re- balance. We believe recruiting youth is critically important to
alize how fortunate I was to have had adults in my life that sustain Missouri’s conservation and outdoor heritage. As I re-
opened the wide wonders of the out of doors to me. I believe flect about my youth, I am glad that someone took the initiative
that exposure to the out of doors led me to my chosen vocation to introduce me to the great outdoors. Exploring the outdoors
of being a forester, which I’ve been for the last 36 years. That, in has been, and will continue to be, a lifelong adventure.
itself, has been a great gift. As we approach one of the great seasons in Missouri, pledge
Why all the reminiscing? Our great state of Missouri has to engage the important youth in your life in a Missouri outdoor
so many opportunities for old and young alike to enjoy the adventure. Who knows, one of those youngsters may be the next
great outdoors. With the advent of fall, the opportunities are conservation agent, fisheries or wildlife biologist, or forester.
almost limitless. As we become a more urban society, it is im-
portant for us older folks to replace ourselves with youngsters
who love the outdoors and who will be future stewards of Mis- Thomas A. Draper, deputy director
Our Mission:  To protect and manage the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state;
to serve the public and facilitate their participation in resource management activities; and to
provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about fish, forest and wildlife resources.
[CoNteNts]

October 2011, Volume 72, Issue 10
Features
Cover: Johnson’s Shut-Ins by David Stonner
Above: Springfield Conservation Nature
8 Eat Your Weedies Center by David Stonner
by Lisa Lacombe, photos by David Stonner
Wild edibles and the legacy of Frances Mathews
MisCellaNy
12 The Deer Camp Kids 2 Letters
by Bill Graham, photos by David Stonner 4 news & events
An annual hunting trip for hearing-impaired youths introduces 5 ombudsman
more families to outdoor adventure. 30 Places to go
32 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
17 Fall Fun and Foliage 32 Contributors
by Heather Bodendieck, photos by David Stonner 33 agent notes
Cooler weather, great scenery and an array of nature center activities
call for family outings.
24 The Key to Successful Deer Management
by Jason Sumners
Antlerless permits empower landowners to manage their deer populations.
October 2011 Missouri Conservationist 1
[Letters]
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
Kids & creeks Native beauties spectacular in their productivity. Real honey
I read with interest the August article Kids Every day this sweltering heat involves the bees, not those fake knock-off sweat bees,
and Creeks. It brought back many wonderful crazed watering of flowering plants that, no swarm these plants, sipping alongside enor-
memories of how my parents, who lived in Rolla, matter the quantity poured on them, still wither mous butterflies and bumblebees by the
would take my daughters to what we called by 10 a.m. It’s become an aerobic workout just dozens, all gainfully employed in pollination.
the “baby creek” on the Piney River. This was to keep them hydrated! Sweat drips off my face I don’t see any of these insects stop by the ‘store
always a fun and exciting time for everyone, just as I pull the hose from pot to pot, ignoring their bought’ flowers on their way to their jobs.
like you described in the article. My daughters ‘cheap’ colleagues, our native Missouri plants, That we spend so much money, water and
are now 41 and 36 and still talk about catching the true botanical heroes. time on grafted and engineered specimens
crawdads, throwing rocks and wading in the Who can deny the amazing resiliency seems a little silly when there is an abundance
“baby creek.” Thanks for reminding us all how of Passiflora incarnata, aka passion flower, of beautiful—and productive—native plants
much fun the Missouri outdoors can be—even or Eupatorium purpureum, aka Joe-pye, or that ask nothing from us, except perhaps not to
something as simple as a creek. Rudbeckia triloba, aka brown-eyed susan. I be weed-whipped.
My dad was a stickler about littering. His rule, haven’t watered them yet, except by accident! Wendy Dyer, Chesterfield
and it still applies to all my family, was “you Next to the over-cultivated, over-priced and
always leave it better than you found it.” over-valued wimps we buy from the nurseries More treasure!
Sharon Peterkort, via Internet and pamper like babies, these native plants are I read the article on geocaching in the July issue
[Modern Day Treasure Hunting] and want to offer
my input in the event that you decide to run an
article on a similar hobby, letterboxing.
Letterboxing is another type of “treasure
hunt” that uses clues for directions instead of a
GPS. Sometimes the clues are straightforward,
while some require puzzle solving. The most
important difference is that the “treasure” is an
image of a hand-carved (usually) rubber stamp
that often has something to do with the area in
which it was found. So you end up with a book
that’s like a passport showing all the places you
have been. Many of them are nature related,
such as a series about tree species, native flow-
ers and birds, etc.
I’m a leader in the St. Louis-area letterboxing
community (and the “permit cheerleader”) and
was recently interviewed for an article which
appeared in Columbia Home magazine at www.
columbiahl.com/2011/06/letterboxing.
Since there is a lot of work and artistry
put into letterboxes, the planters are always
concerned about what is published about this
hobby. Like you, we are also concerned that new
Reader Photo Frog House
letterboxers take care not to damage the area
Ed Young of Joplin captured this image of a gray tree frog in one of his back- that they are in. In addition, the letterboxing
yard birdhouses. MDC Herpetologist, Jeff Briggler, says it is common for this community even holds events now and then,
species to use birdhouses for shelter. “They like the enclosure with the hole, where folks can go to one park, meet other ‘box-
and will likely eat some insects in the house,” said Briggler. “I have seen many ers and find lots of themed letterboxes in one
gray tree frogs in bird houses with the female bird on the nest. They seem to day. We are hosting a stargazing themed event
get along well.” Young said he enjoys gardening in his backyard among his bird in Augusta this September, which will include
feeders. Young has noted a wide variety of birds that visit his garden. 30-plus boxes with constellation rubber stamps.
Robin Barton, Foristell
2 Missouri Conservationist  October 2011
Northeast SubSCripTionS Missouri
C
onservationist
Northwest Phone: [phone], ext. 3856 or 3249
Address: C irculation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
E-mail: [email protected]
Conservationist online services: Subscribe to the
Kansas Central St. Governor Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon
City Louis magazine, update your mailing address, or sign up to
receive an e-mail when the latest issue is available THe ConServATIon CoMMISSIon
online at mdc.mo.gov/node/9087 Don C. Bedell
Southeast Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households James T. Blair, IV
Southwest Don R. Johnson
Out of State $7 per year
Ozark Becky L. Plattner
Out of Country $10 per year
Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. Director Robert L. Ziehmer
Deputy Director Thomas A. Draper
oMbuDSMan quESTionS Deputy Director Tim D. Ripperger
Phone: [phone], ext. 3848 General Counsel Tracy E. McGinnis
Internal Auditor Nancy R. Dubbert
Address: O mbudsman, PO Box 180,
DEparTMEnT HEaDquarTErS
Jefferson City 65102-0180 DIvISIon CHIefS
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] Administrative Services Carter Campbell
Address: PO Box 180, Design and Development Jacob Careaga
Jefferson City 65102-0180 EDiTorial CoMMEnTS Fisheries Chris Vitello
Phone: [phone], ext. 3847 or 3245 Forestry Lisa G. Allen
rEgional oFFiCES
Address: M agazine Editor, PO Box 180, Human Resources Thomas Neubauer
Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730 Jefferson City 65102-0180 Outreach & Education Mike Huffman
Central/Columbia: 573-884-6861 Private Land Services Mike Hubbard
E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas City: 816-622-0900 Protection Larry D. Yamnitz
Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 rEaDEr pHoTo SubMiSSionS Resource Science Mike Kruse
Wildlife DeeCee Darrow
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/readerphotos
Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 E-mail: [email protected] ConServATIonIST STAff
St. Louis: 636-441-4554 Address: M issouri Conservationist, Reader Photo, Editor In Chief Ara Clark
Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180 Managing Editor Nichole LeClair Terrill
Art Director Cliff White
Staff Writer Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer Jim Low
MDC Online Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites. Photographer Noppadol Paothong
Photographer David Stonner
Designer Stephanie Thurber
Blog: mdc.mo.gov/node/109 Missouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.gov Artist Mark Raithel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MDConline Nature Shop: www.mdcNatureShop.com Circulation Laura Scheuler
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/mdc_online Twitter: www.twitter.com/MDC_Online The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
Kids’ site: www.XplorMo.org www.twitter.com/Nature_Videos ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department
Missouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/node/83 YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/moconservation of Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson
City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; out
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cation of address change must include both old and new
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Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
Six times a year we’ll bring you eye-popping art,
ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2011 by the Conservation
photos and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters, Commission of the State of Missouri.
niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
and people who’ve made a living in the wild. programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation
Come outside with us and XPLOR! is available to all individuals without regard to their race,
color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions
Ages: 7–12 should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO
Missouri residents: FREE (one subscription per household) Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice)
Out of state: $5 per year; Out of country: $8 per year or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
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Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue.
Printed with soy ink
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October 2011 Missouri Conservationist 3
[ ]
NeWs & eveNts
by Jim Low
Deer, Turkey-Tagging Changes
Bag it; notch it; tag it; check it. That is this year’s
deer and turkey tagging procedures in a nutshell.
The self-adhesive game tags that hunters have
been receiving when buying permits from ven-
dors will be replaced with non-adhesive versions.
Hunters no longer need to go to vendors. They
can buy permits online and print them on home
printers. These changes mean hunters need
to provide a way of attaching permits to game.
Hunters who print their own permits need a
way to protect paper permits from moisture and
other damage. Zipper-type plastic bags are made
to order for this “bag it” part of the process. Twist
ties, string, bailing wire or adhesive tape will
work to attach tags to game. A sharp pocketknife
will work to notch permits so they show the
month and day the animal was taken. Be sure to
put home-printed permits inside a zipper bag or
other protective cover before attaching it to the
deer or turkey. Finally, hunters need to “check it”
by completing the Telecheck procedure by phone
or online. You’re done!
You Can Help Upgrade Trout Fishing
If you have ever wished it were easier to get to the
water at Bennett Spring State Park, the Missouri
Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) has a
Share the Harvest in 2011 way to turn your wish into a reality.
One of the most popular places to fish and view
Bennett Spring’s scenic waterfall is along the bank
Would you donate a pound of venison if you Harvest’s performance, but he says the program just upstream from the stone bridge. The concrete-
knew it would help feed thousands of hungry still could do much more. covered slope is hard to get up and down, and it
Missourians? It could, according to Dave Mur- “Last year, Missouri deer hunters checked more has been undermined by erosion. The Conserva-
phy, executive director of the Conservation than 274,000 deer,” said Murphy. “They donated a tion Department wants to replace it with a 72-foot
Federation of Missouri. Conservation Federa- little more than 5,000 whole deer to Share the Har- walkway and viewing platform and MCHF hopes
tion of Missouri coordinates Share the Harvest, vest. That’s wonderful, but just think how much to raise $45,000 to fund the project.
a citizen-led program that has been enlisting more of a difference we could make if hunters If each of the 180,000 anglers who visit the
deer hunters to stamp out hunger in the Show- donated just one pound of ground venison from park annually split the cost, the individual share
Me State since 1992. each of the other 270,000 deer. We could double would be 25 cents. Of course, not all those an-
Most venison donations consist of whole deer the number of hungry people we help.” glers will donate, so MCHF is encouraging anglers
that hunters simply drop off at participating To learn how and where to donate deer to give whatever they can to make the improve-
meat processors. Contributions from statewide through Share the Harvest, call 573-634-2322, ment a reality.
corporate sponsors, combined with cash dona- email [email protected], or visit mdc.mo.gov/ “We know that not everyone can afford a big
tions to local Share the Harvest efforts pay the node/2544. Participating meat processors also donation,” said MCHF Executive Vice President
full cost of processing about three-quarters of are listed on pages 46 and 47 of the 2011 Fall Deer Rick Thom, “but it wouldn’t take many dona-
the deer hunters donate. Last year, hunters do- and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information tions of $5 to $100 to make this happen. We
nated more than 5,000 whole deer, which yielded booklet, which is available wherever hunting could do it if only one out of 100 anglers who
350,000 pounds of ground venison. permits are sold or as a PDF to download at use Bennett Spring pitched in $25. We already
Murphy says he is thrilled with Share the mdc.mo.gov/node/3656. have some substantial pledges, and we hope to
4 Missouri Conservationist  October 2011
Quick Draw Update
Donations should
be marked “Bennett The first year of testing yielded mixed results and
Spring Platform.” Do- mixed reviews for Quick Draw. MDC piloted the
nors of $1,000 or more program last year at three of the state’s most
will receive framed popular managed wetland areas - Eagle Bluffs,
prints of the 1995 Grand Pass and Otter Slough conservation areas.
Missouri Trout Stamp Numerous studies have shown that lack of
print, signed and time is one of the main factors that keep people
numbered by wildlife from hunting and other outdoor activities. Quick
Bennet Spring State Park
artist Chuck Witcher. Draw saves hunters travel time by letting them
The print features a know whether they have been drawn for a hunt-
brown trout. A trout ing spot before driving to a wetland area.
raise the rest so the project can be completed.” stamp of the same number is mounted with Quick Draw also offers more flexibility in
Contributions can be made via credit card at each print. A permanent plaque at the structure planning hunts. under the traditional system,
www.mochf.org, or by sending a check to MCHF, will recognize donors at two levels, $1,000 and reservations are assigned on Oct. 1, weeks or
PO Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0366. $5,000 and above. months before hunts occur. Quick Draw allows
Ask the Ombudsman
q:
How can I obtain a hornets’ the evergreen rhododendrons and forsythia shrubs will
nest without being stung? commonly open a few flowers in October. Because most
plant growth is halted over the winter, early spring-flowering
a:
Bald-faced hornets do not plants have their flower buds developed and ready to go in the
G
OR occupy their paper nests fall. Environmental cues to flowering such as temperature,
D.
O
O during the winter and they don’t reuse moisture and day length can be the same in the fall as they
W
G
Y, Bu the nests the next year. The colony dies are in early spring and some buds are “fooled” into opening.
VERSIT each fall except for fertilized females that will overwinter in Usually only a small proportion of the flower buds will open
NI sheltered crevices (not in the nest) and start new colonies the prematurely, and you aren’t likely to notice any fewer flowers
u
N
HER following spring. The best time to take a nest is in the fall next spring, during the normal flowering period.
uT
O after we’ve had a few nights where temperatures were below
A S
ORGI freezing. That will ensure that the nest will not contain
VER, GE living hornets. As an added precaution, you may want to
MCKEE put the nest in a freezer for a week. The nests will be in the
GIS best condition if taken during the fall, because they will
NEST: STuR danetye mrioarianttee noavnerc et hbey w thine thero rdnueet st o weathering and lack of
NETS
OR q:
H Why are some of the shrubs in my yard starting
G;
N
HO to flower now, rather than in the spring as they
OT
OL PA normally do?
D
OPPA a:
N Known as remontant flowering, it is not unusual
uT:
NER; TRO species thtoa th tayvpei caa flelyw fl floowweerr i nbu edasr loyp sepnriinngg .i Inn t Mhei sfasollu orni, Hornets’ nest
N
O
D ST
DAVI Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints concerning Department of Conservation programs.
DEER: Write him at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, call him at 573-522-4115, ext. 3848, or e-mail him at [email protected].
October 2011 Missouri Conservationist 5
[NeWs & eveNts]
by Jim Low
hunters to apply for hunts a few days to a week wetlands. The no-show rate at Eagle Bluffs went hunters on the three pilot areas were hunting on
in advance, allowing them to make plans based from 45 percent in 2009 to 51 percent last year. At managed wetland areas for the first time. That
on weather forecasts. Grand Pass, it increased from 46 to 48 percent, and increased to 38 percent under Quick Draw.
Before the 2010-2011 hunting season, MDC at Otter Slough it went from 43 to 55 percent. Some Waterfowl hunting is highly dependent on
received more favorable comments about Quick hunters said they wanted a penalty for no-shows. weather, water conditions and migration pat-
Draw than unfavorable ones. That trend reversed Another frequent objection was that Quick terns. Statistics also have documented a large
after opening day. Fifty-five percent of hunter Draw gives an unfair advantage to St. Louis annual turnover rate among the waterfowl-
comments during the trial were negative. It’s and Kansas City residents. However, an analysis hunting population. All these variables contrib-
hard to know what percentage of hunters liked of applications from the 10 Zip Codes with the ute to dramatic changes in hunter participation
or disliked the system, since individual hunters highest application rates showed that less than from year to year. Testing Quick Draw for one year
could and did submit more than one comment. 10 percent of applications came from the two provides a snapshot of how the system worked
One of the most frequent objections to Quick metro areas. Hunters living within 50 miles of the under a particular set of conditions. MDC is test-
Draw focused on the number of hunting spots set three Quick Draw areas accounted for 31 percent ing the system at the same three areas again this
aside each day for hunters who come to wetland of those who got to hunt on those areas the year year to learn how it works under different condi-
areas without a reservation. under the current before Quick Draw went into effect. That number tions. A formal hunter survey will be conducted
reservation system, these “poor line” hunters increased to 35 percent last year. following the 2011–2012 hunting season to get
draw for at least 50 percent of available hunting Some hunters also expressed concern that an accurate picture of how participating hunters
spots. under Quick Draw, only 20 percent of spots Quick Draw would lead to overcrowding at the view the system after two years’ experience.
are guaranteed for hunters without reservations. three pilot areas. However, the number of parties For more information about Quick Draw, visit-
However, the number of hunting spots actually al- turned away from those areas decreased by 44 mdc.mo.gov/node/9532.
located through the poor line at Quick Draw areas percent last year. The number of days on which
Funding for Cavefish Habitat
last year was virtually identical to the previous year. parties were turned away remained the same
This is because many people who drew reserva- under Quick Draw. u.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently
tions through Quick Draw did not show up. Other hunters expressed displeasure that announced a $534,750 grant to help MDC acquire
There is no penalty for failing to use a reserva- Quick Draw might attract more novice hunters an 895-acre conservation easement on land to
tion under Quick Draw or the traditional reserva- to managed wetland areas. This actually was one protect three endangered species: the Ozark
tion system still in effect on 12 other managed of the goals of Quick Draw. In 2009, 34 percent of cavefish, the gray bat and Missouri bladderpod.
The land in Lawrence County will remain in
private ownership, but with permanent title
restrictions to preserve its natural values. Caves,
sinkholes and underground streams lie beneath
the land. Without the protective easements, soil
erosion and other human-caused changes could
damage habitat that sustains the three endan-
gered species. MDC is partnering with the Ozark
Regional Land Trust, which will manage the
easements to protect cave life, along with plant NG
O
H
and animal communities, such as limestone OT
glades, on the surface. DOL PA
OPPA
N
MDC’s Joplin Relief Efforts Ongoing NS:
When disaster strikes anywhere in Missouri, you HICKE
will find MDC in the thick of relief efforts. Disaster AIRIE C
relief isn’t one of the agency’s core missions, but G; PR
N
O
the agency’s resources belong to Missourians, OTH
and those resources often are uniquely suited to OL PA
D
relief work. The tornado that tore through Joplin OPPA
N
MDC is testing Quick Draw for a second waterfowl season at Eagle  in MCaoyn sise rav paetirofnec atg eexnatms’ ptlrea.ining equipped them uNTERS:
Bluffs, Grand Pass and Otter Slough conservation areas.  to participate in every phase of law-enforcement uCK H
D
6 Missouri Conservationist  October 2011
work in the twister’s wake. Immediately after the survival of chicks
the storm, six agents and a protection district that do hatch. This
supervisor performed search-and-rescue work, year’s weather was
traffic control, neighborhood security patrols, relatively normal,
nighttime patrols and curfew enforcement. and Missouri’s
While conservation agents worked with other endangered prairie
law officers, 16 MDC Forestry workers organized chickens responded
into three chainsaw teams worked tirelessly to with a remarkable
clear trees from streets for search-and-rescue 80 percent nesting
teams. After the initial emergency phase, MDC success rate. Fifty
urban Foresters responded to assess tree survival percent is considered
Prairie chickens
so recovery and rebuilding efforts could begin. normal in stable pop-
MDC’s national network of contacts enabled it ulations. Missouri’s
to call in the National urban Forestry Strike Team prairie chickens once
to train and assist 18 Missouri foresters in post numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Their chicken nests this summer at Wah’Kon-Tah
storm tree assessment. MDC provided a 1-ton, disastrous decline began with the conversion Prairie and nearby at Taberville Prairie in St.
4X4 flatbed dual-axle truck and two 1 ¼-ton 4X4 of native prairie to other agricultural uses. MDC Clair County. Of those, they determined that
pickup trucks to replace Joplin Fire Department began trapping prairie chickens and moving hens in 23 nests hatched broods.
vehicles lost to the tornado. them to Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie near El Dorado
Working with the uSDA Forest Service and Springs in 2008. MDC crews located 29 prairie-
private forestry workers, MDC has requested
$100,000 in federal funds to help direct the long-
term recovery of trees destroyed by the twister and U
Did You Know? Conservation makes Missouri a safe
citywide community forest assistance. MDC also
place to hunt.
is helping fundraising efforts of diverse organiza-
tions such as the National Arbor Day Foundation,
Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, the Community Founda-
Hunter Education
tion of the Ozarks, Southwest Missouri Resource
Conservation and Development and the Missouri » 877 hunter education classes were offered last year.
Conservation Heritage Foundation to help Joplin » 22,852 were certified in hunter education last year.
get back on its feet. » More than 1,000 programs with instruction in hunting, fishing, trapping
In the years to come, MDC urban foresters will and shooting sports were provided by MDC and volunteers last year. More
be available to advise Joplin residents as they set than 36,000 people took part in these programs, which are aimed at in-
about replacing the community forests they lost creasing participation in and knowledge of traditional outdoor recreation.
around their homes, parks and streets. » Two different styles of hunter education courses are offered—a
“MDC employees are woven into the fabric 10-hour traditional classroom lecture or an online course coupled with a
of every community in Missouri,” said Director five-hour field day.
Robert Ziehmer. “I am thrilled by the courage » Who must be Hunter Education Certified? If you plan to hunt alone
and dedication they show whenever the chips with a firearm, you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, or you are 16 years of
are down, and proud to be able to commit our age or older, you will need to take and pass a hunter education course or pur-
agency’s resources in times of need.” chase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization before you can buy a permit. You
must be at least 11 years old to take the Missouri Hunter Education Class.
Prairie-Chicken Boom
» Topics covered in the hunter education course: hunter responsi-
A break from the weather, along with refine- bility and ethics; how firearms work and firearm safety; wildlife identifica-
ments in grassland management, contributed tion, game care, survival and first aid skills; firearm handling skills and
to a boom in prairie-chicken reproduction this hunting techniques; awareness about wildlife conservation and manage-
year. unusually cool, rainy conditions, like ment; rules and information unique to Missouri.
those that have prevailed during the spring » For more information on hunter education, including where to
and summer for the past four years, drown enroll, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3477.
out prairie chickens’ nests and cut deeply into
October 2011 Missouri Conservationist 7
eat your Weedies
Wild edibles and the legacy of Frances mathews
∫¥ LIsa LaComBe
photos by david stonner
If you hike one of the six exceptional trails Like the Missouri Department of Conservation,
that meander through Burr Oak Woods Conservation Frances is dedicated to sharing our outdoor heritage with
Area in Blue Springs, you may meet a lady, small in the next generation. Foraging for wild edible plants is a
stature, but full of spunk and passion, wandering and tradition that she intends to keep alive. These strong con-
searching along the path. If your curiosity gets the better victions have become her legacy.
of you, and you stop to visit, you are in for a real treat. Frances has shared a lifetime of knowledge with visitors
Frances Mathews may be a small woman, but her legacy to Burr Oak Woods. She will tell you that these plants are a
is not. She may invite you to see the object of her scrutiny, gift from the earth that we have all but forgotten. Learning
indicating a tiny plant growing up through the cracks in about wild edible plants is so much more than an act of
the trail with the tip of her handmade hiking stick. As nostalgia. She believes that the more we learn about these
your eyes focus on the object she indicates, you may dis- nutritious and delicious treasured plants, the greater under-
cover that tiny, pesky weed with succulent leaves that you standing we will have about nature and a healthy lifestyle.
have pulled from your own sidewalk on many occasions. Foraging for them is also a fun family activity in nature that
With a smile she introduces you to purslane. helps to stretch the family budget—rather than break it.
“This little plant is chock-full of heart-healthy omega-3
a Natural Forager
fatty acids that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol
levels. It is high in vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potas- Frances began her education as a 5-year-old girl. She viv-
sium and calcium and contains more beta-carotene than idly recalls the details of the first time she was allowed
spinach,” she explains. “If you can’t get past the idea that it to forage for wild mushrooms and greens with her aunts,
is a detestable weed, you will miss out on one of the most uncles and a neighbor back in 1936.
nutritious plants on earth.” She woke up early that morning and kept watch, lean-
ing out the windowsill with her chin resting on her
crossed arms. When the car finally pulled up in front of
the house, Frances grabbed a threadbare onion sack and
bucket, hurried out the front door, and hopped into the
rumble seat. She loved the way the warm spring breeze felt
against her face as they wound their way into the country.
Heavy morning dew sparkled on the grass.
It seemed an eternity before her uncle finally slowed
and stopped the car. The ravine nestled between the
wooded hillsides invited exploration. Like a butterfly, she
flitted between one wildflower and the next, delighted.
She picked violets and wild sweet William to create dainty
bouquets while the adults searched for morel mushrooms.
Suddenly, she was called over. To her astonishment, the
entire hillside was dotted with morel mushrooms. They
picked the tender fungus until their sacks overflowed.
Frances was afraid to take a step for fear of crushing one of
these treasures. The afternoon warmed as the sun climbed
8 Missouri Conservationist  October 2011