Springtime in Missouri is diverse and colorful, if one knows where to look. It is easy to get lost in the green abundance of the Ozarks, but some of the most interesting creatures are a little harder to track down. There are so many reasons to get outside this spring.

Dr. Robin Verdle, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at MS&T, and Director of the Ozark Research Field Station, explains how many benefits there really are.

“It’s a great way to relieve stress. There are lots of studies that say being outside helps decrease frustration. Overall, the health benefits of taking a walk are well established, it’s going to help your heart, muscle tone, aerobic activity and your state of mind. Also vitamin D production, which often get depleted during winter,” Verdle said.

Other than the benefits of exploring nature there is a lot of flora and fauna to look out for and enjoy. Dr. Verdle gave several examples of what to look for concerning the unique plants and flowers found in the Rolla area.

“One of the first classic signs of spring you will see are the redbud trees; they have a bright, pretty flower to look forward to. You will start to see a lot of spring afiberal flowers, flowers only seen in the springtime. These are usually delicate small, flowers of different colors. The most interesting thing people can look forward to in the spring are the morel mushrooms–the tasty edible ones people hunt down. You start to see those mid March through the end of April,” Verdle said.

There are a multitude of other organisms emerging in the spring other than plants. Mary Beth Factor, an Education Consultant for the Missouri Department of Conservation, talks about the animals that emerge after the winter months are over.

“Frogs are breeding, which means you may be able to hear frog calls. One of the first ones is going to be the Wood Frogs, as well as the more common Spring Peepers. Red bats will hang out in leaf litter, just remember as you are walking in the forest you may be walking under bats, or if you step off the trail you may tread on them. Skunks and opossums are breeding, they will both be done with their litters at the end of February, so you may see those little babies running around.” Factor said.

As for where to explore, it may be hard to experience the full bounty of nature in populated areas. There are many public places bursting with wildlife to be observed. Dr. Verdle gives a few examples of places in the Rolla area.

“One is the Audubon Nature Trails over on west side of town. They have a couple miles of walking loops that take you through a really neat series of habitats. Another is the Bray Conservation area, they have a half mile walking loop and it is mostly forested. Finally, the Bohigian Conservation area, just south of Newburg, it is 300 acres right in the National Forest and next to the Kaintuck Trail,” Verdle said.

Verdle believes that the season during March, April, and May is usually some if the most pleasant times of the year, because of the cooler weather and low amount of insects.

“Spring is one of the best time of the year to be outside. In terms of being able to be able to appreciate things without the discomforts of summer,” Verdle said.