According to a study by Ohio State University researchers, reducing deer populations in parks and forests could actually have a negative impact on insect and amphibian populations in those areas.

The researchers studied several species of snakes, salamanders and invertebrates, discovering that higher concentrations of these animals could be found in areas of denser deer populations than in places where there was no deer activity.

“By…[more]

It can be very difficult for humans to choose just the right person with which to share life and raise a family. But can you imagine how much tougher that whole process is for a plant? Missouri University scientists did and they came up with some interesting ways that plants communicate interest without using the visual and audio communications we humans do.

Bruce McClure, a researcher at MU’s…[more]

Trees aren’t the only big show in the fall - the seamyrtle does its share to bring a little brightness to waning green pasturelands and lots in Arkansas, said Jim Robbins, extension horticulture-ornamentals specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“This is the time of year it just pops with seed heads,” he said. “The females have those incredible seed heads that catch our attention.”[more]

University of Delaware researchers will lead an international team to explore deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean next month, and middle- and high-school classrooms worldwide are invited to “dive in” with them.

Registration is now open for classrooms around the globe to participate in “Extreme 2008: A Deep-Sea Adventure,” an exciting virtual field trip to the ocean’s depths presented by UD with support from the National Science…[more]

STILLWATER, Okla. – A new hunting season may be on the horizon in Oklahoma.

Based on research done by the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the black bear population in Oklahoma is estimated at 450.

“That’s a pretty conservative estimate,” said Chip Leslie, unit leader and part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at…[more]

Well-meaning hunters and landowners hoping to help local wildlife populations and attract deer to their hunting stand may be planting invasive forages, said Dr. Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“There are plenty of hunters who plant food plots,” she said. “Some are planting varieties that they know will be eaten, but aren’t necessarily the best choices for the ecosystem.”[more]

LITTLE ROCK – Wildlife researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture are winding up the first year in a three-year project to determine the most attractive mix of plants for deer, quail, turkeys and other wildlife.

Wildlife food plot projects were established in 10 Arkansas counties to provide a range of information for the whole state. The counties are: Fulton, St. Francis, Phillips, Miller, Clark, Polk,…[more]

Branson, MO. city officials have announced that sections of Stockstill Park are now reopened to the general public.

The park sustained heavy damage September 14 from the flash flooding of nearby Roark
Creek, and the park has been closed since then.
According to Public Works Director Larry VanGilder, the walking path, pavilion and
restrooms will be open for public use.

…[more]

Arkansas is fifth on the list of states where a vehicle is most likely to have a collision with a deer, according to a study conducted annually by State Farm Insurance. That is up one since last year’s study.

According to State Farm prognosticators, drivers in Arkansas have a one in 108 chance of colliding with a deer in 2009, roughly equaling an individual’s chances of being audited…[more]

Enjoy an evening of spooky stories or have some fall fun in Missouri state parks and historic sites. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the events are open to the public. The following state parks and historic sites are hosting fall or Halloween-related activities:

* Oct. 24—Halloween Storytelling, Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville,
573-243-4591. Come to the site’s picnic area at 7 p.m.…[more]