Photograph by Becky Wylie, article by Ann Butts
This year the summer solstice arrived on Monday, June 20 at 6:34 PM EDT. The longest day of the year also brought a special sighting, a strawberry moon! The strawberry moon was named by Native Americans when they observed a full moon at the height of strawberry picking in the month of June. This year the strawberry moon coincided with the summer solstice.
Photographer Becky Wylie captured this rare occurrence the evening of June 20. The last time a full moon coincided with the summer solstice was in 1967 and the next time will be 2062.
Summer solstice is the official beginning of summer, but remember days start getting shorter after June 20. Spend some time outside enjoying nature and natural phenomenon like the moon and stars. Walk a prairie or a glade and observe the grasses and wildflowers, or float a Missouri lake or stream. Your appreciation for nature will grow with every visit outside this summer!
Becky Wylie joined the Chert Glade Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalist in 2012. She is known around the area for her wildlife photography and as a volunteer at Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center and the Neosho Fish Hatchery. Her photography has been published in the Missouri Department of Conservation annual Natural Events Calendar and she regularly contributes to the WCGAC website and Facebook page.
Ann Butts has been capturing the beauty of the Midwest for over 20 years on her photo website, naturalthoughtsphotography.com and in her nature blog, naturalthoughtsphotography.blogspot.com where she encourages people to “think about nature, learn about nature, and respect nature.” She has been a member of Missouri Master Naturalists since 2005.