Monday, October 1, 2012

Missouri State Parks Open Houses

Aerial view of Thousand Hills State Park

Oct. 6 at St. Francois State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 6 at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, located directly behind the showerhouse.


Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments and input on St. Francois State Park's services and operations.

This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services offered in state parks and historic sites

St. Francois State Park is located on U.S. Highway 67, approximately four miles north of Bonne Terre in St. Francois County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling St. Francois State Park at 573- 358-2173. For information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 6 at Lake Wappapello State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Oct. 6 at Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the open house will be held at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of the park’s nature center.


The event will highlight the park’s interpretation program as well as the park’s nature center. A camp cooking demonstration will be held for anyone wishing to participate and lunch refreshments will be provided. The nature center will be open to the public for people to visit.

The open house will also provide the public with an opportunity to meet with park staff and talk about events and projects at the park. Visitors are invited to share comments on the parks operations and facilities.

The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Lake Wappapello State Park is located eight miles east of US Highway 67 on Highway 172 in Wayne County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly 573-297-3232. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Nature Photography workshop Oct. 6 at Thousand Hills State Park

 Do you love nature? Have you ever wanted to capture that perfect sunrise, or that colorful flower, only to be confounded by the buttons and knobs on your camera? Learn how easy nature photography can be on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the workshop will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. in the park’s enclosed shelter and is free and open to the public.


Emily Burke, the park’s naturalist and a hobby nature photographer, will lead the class. This course is designed for beginning and amateur photographers, and will discuss what makes the difference between a snapshot and a masterpiece. Bring your DIGITAL camera (yes, even a camera phone) to find out what all the bells and whistles do, and where and how to line up the perfect shot. It's easier than you think!

This course is free, but limited spaces are available. Please call Thousand Hills State Park at 660-665-6995 if you have questions, or would like to RSVP. This is the last nature photography class planned for this year.
Thousand Hills State Park is located two miles west of Kirksville on Highway 157. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 6 at Knob Noster State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 6, at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the park’s Clearfork Shelter.


Representatives from the park will discuss the continuing work being done on the McAdoo Equestrian Trail and provide information on the State Parks Youth Corps involvement with the park during 2012. Representatives from the facility will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility.

The meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in Missouri state parks and historic sites.

Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster, one mile south of Highway 50 on Highway 23. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 660-563-2463. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 

Oct. 13 at Castlewood State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 13 at Castlewood State Park near Ballwin. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the informational meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the park office.


Recent accomplishments and future plans at the park will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on Castlewood State Park’s services and operations. Park staff will discuss ongoing efforts to remove exotic species, repair trail access areas and restore a portion of riparian forest.

The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Castlewood State Park is located off of Highway 141, then west on Big Bend Road to Ries Road, then turn left on Ries Road. The park entrance is at the intersection of Kiefer Creek and Ries Roads. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Castlewood State Park directly at 636-227-4433. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Oct. 13 at Route 66 State Park

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 13 at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center. Refreshments will be served.


Representatives from the park will be on hand to review recent activities and projects and discuss any future projects. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations and future plans for development.

The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Route 66 State Park is located two miles east of Eureka off Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-938-7198. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Civil War Boot Camp Oct. 13 at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site

  Children ages nine to 12 will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the Civil War soldier on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid. Sponsored by the Missouri State Parks, the Civil War Boot Camp is free and will run from 10 a.m. until noon.


The program will begin with an introduction about Missouri’s part in the war and the life of the common soldier. Children will take part in several activities including enlisting in the army, being issued equipment, learning some of the basic drills that all soldiers had to know, snacking on hardtack, taking part in a pay call and mustering out of service.

Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid. For more information or to register for the event, contact Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573 748-5340. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Katy Trail State Park Fall Tram Tours Oct. 16

Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the fall colors of the Missouri River bluffs in comfort on the third annual Fall Tram Tours Tuesday, Oct. 16 on Katy Trail State Park. The two-hour round-trip tours will take visitors between Rocheport and McBaine in the comfort of a tram coach.


The nine-mile section of Katy Trail between Rocheport and McBaine is known for its striking views of the Missouri River and adjacent river bluffs. As riders enjoy the scenery from the open tram cars, interpretive guides will explain the natural landscapes and historic locations along the trail. The tours are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 12 and under. Tours will be offered at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and will begin at the trailhead in Rocheport. The event, which is scheduled in conjunction with Missouri Day, is co-sponsored by Missouri State Parks and Boone Electric Cooperative.

"The tram tours are a unique and fun way to experience the Katy Trail, particularly for those who may not otherwise be able to hike or bike the trail. They allow us to really highlight some of the natural features along the trail and point out sites of historical significance," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Each tour time has four trams with each tram providing seating for 16 people. These seats can be reserved in advance by calling the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7422 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for reservations is Friday, Oct. 12. A limited number of standing room only spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so advanced registration is recommended.

On March 22, 1915, the 48th General Assembly set aside the third Wednesday in October each year as "Missouri Day." Missouri Day is a time for schools to honor the state and for the people of the state to celebrate the achievements of all Missourians. This year, Missouri Day falls on Oct. 17.

For more information about the Fall Tram Tours, contact Katy Trail State Park at 573-449-7422. For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

 



 


 

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