From Alan Hopefl, President of the Kirkwood Park Board
The Kirkwood Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring several nature hikes this spring.
Saturday March 30th, 10:00 AM, GEOLOGY HIKE
Spend an hour or more learning about the local geology of Missouri at Meramec Highlands Quarry at Dee Koestering Park (1703 Marshall Rd.). The site is the historic Meramec Highland Quarry which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its geological discoveries. Many of the large quarry stones and spoils are still on site which provide a view of the unique geology and fossils of the area. An experienced geologist will guide us. Bring weather appropriate gear, magnifying glass, and notebook, if desired.
Meet in the Parking Lot. Held rain or shine. All ages welcome. No charge.
Saturday April 6th, 10:00 AM, SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE
Enjoy the first blooms of spring when Emmenegger Nature Park (11991 Stoneywood Dr.) comes alive with an abundance of extraordinary “spring ephemeral” wildflowers. An experienced naturalist from the Missouri Native Plant Society will guide us and identify these natural beauties as they come into bloom. Bring weather appropriate gear, camera, notebook, or field guide.
Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Held rain or shine. All ages welcome. No charge.
Saturday April 13th, 10:00 AM, MUSHROOM HIKE
Join a member of the Missouri Mycological Society and discover a whole new world hiding in plain site along the trails of Emmenegger Nature Park. Our guide will lead us on a delightful and educational mushroom hike. Both edible and inedible fungi will be identified along with an introduction to their odd and fascinating characteristics. Bring weather appropriate gear, camera, and notebook.
Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Held rain or shine. All ages welcome. No charge.
Saturday April 20th, 10:00 AM, BIRD & BUTTERFLY HIKE
Join a member of the North American Butterfly Association and American Audubon Society on a hike in Emmenegger Nature Park to discover the birds who are migrating through the St Louis area and those who are permanent residents. In addition, we will learn to identify butterflies by using field marks such as color, size, shape, and wing patterns. We will also learn the relationship between butterflies and their larva with native plants. Bring weather appropriate gear, cameras, and binoculars, if you have them.
Meet at the trailhead kiosk. Held rain or shine. All ages welcome. No charge.
I hope to participate.