Summer 2022

Nature's Bonuses!

It has been a hot summer; an expensive summer and it may be tempting to just stay inside in an air-conditioned room and not go anywhere.  Sure, you can do that, but you'll be missing the bonuses that nature provides.  
We know that being out in nature can have awesome effects on our body. We breathe cleaner air, get Vitamin D from the sun and are encouraged to focus on our fitness as we enjoy the great outdoors through hiking, biking, walking and climbing. Mother Nature also does wonders for our mental health.

When doing surveys, attending a chapter event or meeting, taking a class or any of the other opportunities that you are afforded as a Master Naturalist, there are always bonuses.  You may meet a wonderful person, you may share an exciting discovery with a child, discover a species new to you or even happen upon ripe blackberries.  And it's all free; a bonus for simply enjoying nature.  

So, enjoy nature this summer.  The frogs and birds sing with joy, and you can too while you reap the many benefits and bonuses nature gives you.


 
Picked a lot of blackberries?  Try this delicious recipe.
Blackberry-Pecan Squares

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter (salted), softened
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted
  • 2 cups blackberries

Instructions:

Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and set aside. Stir together flour, soda and salt, and set aside.

Cream butter and sugar with mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat.

Continue to beat slowly, adding in flour mixture until combined. Gradually add ¾ cup pecans and mix.

Spread batter in pan with spatula. Sprinkle berries on top, then scatter on remaining nuts.

Bake at 325F for 50 to 55 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Makes 16 bars.

More recipes can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov
Check out our webpage: hilonesome.missourimasternaturalist.org  to report your hours, find upcoming Advanced Training and Community Service opportunities. Check out the photos in the photo gallery on our home page!  Send any photos you have to Jerry Barnabee and he will get them added in.  

  Check your already posted hours to make sure they are correct.  If you have any questions or concerns, let Roxanne Stockdall know.
Save the Date!
Chapter Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cole Camp.  

Upcoming Events
July 5 - Chapter Meeting from 6-7 p.m.
July 5 - Executive Board Meeting from 7-8 p.m.
August 2 - Chapter Meeting from 6-7 p.m.
September 6 - Chapter Meeting from 6-7 p.m.
September 17 - Adopt-a-Highway litter pick up from 10 a.m.-Noon.  Meet at Cole Camp junction commuter parking lot