Prairie in fall

I live close to and volunteer at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit MO.  Several years ago they reestablished a tall grass prairie and have approximately 100 acres of it.  It is managed with fire.  It is truly spectacular in the fall.  We play games with the kids who come out for classes and they literally can hide in the tall grass.  There is a tipi and a sod house on the prairie too. 

Luna Moth & other creatures on the river

We have floated 3 days this week on the glorious Missouri rivers:  Jack's Fork, Current and Huzzah.  While floating we saw a great deal of wildlife:  otters, blue herons, river herons, snakes, frogs, fish of all kinds, teenagers, families and more.  Two especially fun finds are pictured here.  The luna moth and the tadpole for a bull frog.
The wings and antennae for the moth are fabulously detailed and I could see enlarging them to make a fabric piece someday.  Doubt I would do anything with the tadpole but he is almost cute.