Garlic Mustard Pulling at Prairie State Park

On Saturday April 1st, Chert Glades Chapter members helped staff at Prairie State Park by pulling garlic mustard before it could go to seed. Garlic mustard is an invasive biennial species from Europe. This means it flowers after its second year of growth. All the mustard we pulled could have produced hundreds of seedlings next year!

first year seedlings

first year seedlings

After initial discovery in the park's campground, the number of garlic mustard plants has steadily decreased by hand-pulling every year. We were told the first-year volunteers pulled a pile of mustard the size of a car, while we only filled a few bags. We did contend with a few patches of tiny seedlings from plants missed during last year’s effort. Hopefully next year there will be even fewer patches!

Invasive species present an ongoing challenge to all parks, prairies, and natural areas. I think this is a good example of how consistent, well-timed removal can eventually control plants that could become a problem very quickly.

a second year plant begins to form buds

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Karen Garver and filed under Invasive species and tagged Prairie State Park Garlic Mustard Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Pursuit of Trout and White Bass Begins

Field notes by Jeff Cantrell, photos courtesy of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Although hard core avid anglers have been wetting their fishing lines throughout the winter; most people yield to fishing fever as March unfolds.  The month of March officially starts, for some, with a loud whistle/signal at the state’s trout parks.  Locally, Roaring River and Bennett Springs State Park have been Catch-and-Release November through mid-February, but when the whistle sounds on March first fishermen may cast a line in hopes of bringing dinner home.

Catch-and-Keep for trout season is certainly a great example of the “Field/Stream to Table” connection for Missourians. And trout fishing activities have a contribution of millions of dollars to the state’s economy each year. I also utilize these state parks in other ways through the year including teacher trainings in Discover Nature Schools (DNS) curriculum, school field trips and education programs, and hiking gorgeous trails.  Trout are not native to these cold waters, so the Conservation Department in partnership with state parks established hatcheries to supply these popular fisheries. Trout fishing centered picture albums of holidays and outings are prized family possessions and they highlight the importance of this recreation for our outdoor heritage.  Other fish related pursuits will soon begin for us all.  Native fishes might not have a state park devoted to them, but they still cultivate a nice following from naturalists/anglers. Subtle changes in water temperature and organic chemical cues aligned with increasing photoperiods trigger increased activity in our aquatic life. 

 One of these actions is referred to as “white bass running”, or you may hear people this month ask, “are the white bass running yet?”.  Historically, Missouri’s white bass were restricted to the Mississippi River and adjacent incoming waters, but now they are found throughout impoundments and reservoirs in the Ozarks. Much of the year white bass are located in the deep clear waters and spawning adults enter the tributary streams in the early spring.  Ozark anglers love the excitement of these active, schooling fish. The “runs” refer to the mature fish, usually males first migrating into the headwaters to feed heavily and eventually spawn.  Males may move into the spawning grounds two to four weeks prior to the females, and anglers may locate them in vibrant water over a firm sandy or clean gravel bottom. A true phenomenon to witness – the schooling fish feed vigorously on crayfish and small stream fishes, often rushing shiners and stonerollers to break the water surface and make a commotion. The feeding uproar continues until the food abundance moderates and schooling frenzy just continues upstream seeking more prey.  It’s a lot of fun to cast a line into the active “food chain of events” like that!

So, as the hints of spring ascend let’s grab our fishing gear, purchase the appropriate fishing licenses (supporting the aquatic management and science understanding of our fish species and waters) and ENJOY.  It’s easy to notice the series of events always taking place in nature with one thing often leading to another.  I consider the recreation of stream fishing the same way; the white bass pursuit might be the gateway to crappie fishing just a few warmer weeks into our future.

Have an amazing start to spring and I hope to see you at Roaring River or your favorite fishing spot.  – Jeff

Jeff Cantrell (jeff.cantrell@mdc.mo.gov) is an outdoor educator and naturalist. He invites you to drop by the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, Joplin, MO and pick up the fishing prospects booklet.

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Karen Garver and filed under White Bass, Trout, Anglers and tagged Roaring River Bennett Springs.

Prairie booster make over museum grounds

Joplin History & Mineral Museum Prairie Restoration

On a cold but sunny January morning, Chert Glades members brought rake and foot-stomping power to seeding native plants into about 5000 square feet of property at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum. The museum envisions prairie-like plantings north and south of the building as well as a garden space for native shrubs and forbs to be planted later this spring.

 

While the prairie planting will take several years to mature, the garden space, directly in front of the building, should hint at what’s to come later this year! In the future, Chert Glades members envision this space as ideal for showing residents and visitors how beautiful and functional native plants can be for their own yards!

Chapter members worked with volunteers from Liberty Utilities to spread seed supplied through U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Missouri Prairie Foundation.

V. Frankoski

tamping in the seed

Getting directions

C. Naff, R. Naff, A. Wild, V. Frankoski, K. Smith, & E. Bowyer (not pictured Jill Franks & Sara Fischer)

Photos by C. Naff

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Karen Garver and filed under Gardens, Native Seed, Prairie Restoration and tagged Joplin History & Mineral Museum Native seed planting restore to Prairie.

The Wonders of a Wetland

Celebrate World Wetlands Day on Feb. 2nd! Wetlands are one of nature’s most fascinating ecosystems.  They are distinctive habitats full of hidden treasures ready to be discovered. Wetlands are important enough to have their holiday.

Read more …
Posted on January 23, 2023 by Amera Wild and filed under Natural Habitats and tagged Wetland Cardinal Valley Habitat Restoration Shawnee Trail Conservation Area August A Busch Shell Osage Conservation Area World Wetlands Day.

Prairie Days

George Washington Carver National Monument is the place to be for Prairie Days, Saturday September 10th. Take a step back in time with games and toys that your grandparents could have played. Find out how the kids can become a Junior Ranger. Make some candles, churn some butter, and lye soap. Enjoy the variety of music under the tent, smell the smoke from the fire pit that has Dutch ovens cooking over it. The visitor center will show a film of George Washington Carver’s life and accomplishments.

Take a hike through the prairie and visit the Cemetery. Visit and learn from the many exhibits in the front lawn of the park.

Come on out and enjoy the day! Event runs 10 AM - 3PM

Posted on September 10, 2022 by Karen Garver and filed under EDUCATION, Pollinators and tagged George Washington Carver Carver Prairie Missouri Bees.