Fun on the Creek Explorer Day Camp at Sam A. Baker State Park June 25

topographic map of Sam A. Baker State Park and environs in the extreme southeast Ozarks of Missouri. Contour intervals are 100 feet (30.48 meters). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sam A. Baker State Park will host an Explorer Day Camp on Thursday, June 25. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, kids ages 6 and older can learn about water, specifically Big Creek at the park, and earn their Explorer patch at this free event.

Big Creek is considered one of the main attractions at Sam A. Baker State Park. Children who enjoy playing around in the water and discovering all there is to see in the life of a stream, will want to participate in this day on the creek.  

Participants will learn all about the power of water by playing games and activities, decorating t-shirts and achieving the goals for becoming an explorer. Participants will need to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a t-shirt to decorate, drinking water, sturdy shoes and clothes for getting wet. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and snacks will be provided throughout the day. Lunch will not be provided and adult supervision is required.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson in Wayne County. Registration for this event is required by June 23. For more information or to register, contact the park at 573-856-4514. For information about 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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Sam A. Baker State Park hosts bluegrass concert June 13

The public is invited to enjoy a bluegrass concert featuring the Leevon DeCourley Band at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, June 13. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will begin at7 p.m.

Leevon DeCourley has been entertaining audiences all over the Midwest and Southeast for the better part of the last ten years. The concert will be held at the park’s amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. The event is offered free of charge.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park naturalist at 573-856-4514. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Birds over Baker at Sam A. Baker State Park May 30

Visitors can discover the world of birds by learning all about these feathered friends at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, May 30. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held at the day use area starting at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This birding festival will feature live bird presentations, guided bird watches, activities and crafts for the whole family. Throughout the day from 3 to 7 p.m., there will be activities and crafts that will cover such topics as migration, hunting game birds and bird behavior. Members of the East Ozarks Audubon Society will also provide guided bird walks; identifying and pointing out birds that call Missouri home.

A new feature this year will be a falconer with her live raptors on display. Guests will learn all about this hobby and more during this fun-filled festival.

Bird merchandise will also be available for purchase throughout the day.   Food and entertainment by the Shoestring Band will be available from 6-7 p.m.

Guests will wrap up the event with the Raptor Awareness Program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. The program will cover information about birds of prey during a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis, featuring the raptors of Missouri, such as hawks, owls and falcons.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514. For more 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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Enjoy nature on a wild edibles hike at Sam A. Baker State Park May 2

Participants will be able to learn about edible plants on a guided hike at Sam A. Baker State Park near

Patterson on Saturday, May 2. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hike will begin at 10 a.m., and is free and open to the public.

Hikers will learn how to identify plants, their medicinal and edible purposes, and historical folklore. This hike will also follow the Shut-ins Trail.  Participants should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead, across from the park store and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143 about four miles north of Patterson.  For more information about the event, contact the park naturalist at 573-856-4514. For more 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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Informational Meeting at Sam A. Baker State Park on June 7

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, June 7. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mudlick Trailhead. (In case of heavy rain, the meeting will take place inside the park visitor center). This meeting is being held in conjunction with National Trails Day.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans regarding the park’s trail system, recent and upcoming programs at the park, recent accomplishments and future plans for the facility. Staff will also be available to answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. This meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Two guided hikes will be offered immediately following the meeting. One hike will lead participants on a 4-5 hour trip along the Mudlick Trail into the park’s Wild and Natural areas. The other will be a stroll on the park’s accessible 1.5 mile walking and biking path. Guests will receive hiking memorabilia, cold drinks and snacks.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson in Wayne County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-856-4411. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a Division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

Open house, cabin reservation lottery set for Nov. 1 at Sam A. Baker State Park

The dining lodge at Sam A. Baker State Park was built by the CCC of native stone and wood. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house at Sam A. Baker State Park on Friday, Nov. 1 between 9 a.m. and noon outside the park store.   The open house also marks the opening of the cabin reservation lottery for the 2014 recreational season. The lottery will determine the order of preference for cabin reservations at the park.

A Sam A. Baker State Park tradition, requests to be entered into the lottery reservation system may be made in person at the park beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the drawing will begin at 9 a.m. Sam Baker Concessions will be at the park to administer the lottery and assist individuals with their reservations. Cabin rental reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 573-856-4223 beginning at 9 a.m.

Cabin rental reservations are made through Sam Baker Concessions, while picnic shelter houses may be reserved directly through the park in person or by phone at 573-856-4411. Throughout the open house event park representatives will be available to answer questions provide information on future plans for the facility. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. In the event of rain, the meeting will be moved to the park dining lodge. This open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to Sam A. Baker State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. In addition to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails through wooded natural and wild areas, Sam A. Baker State Park also features a 1.5 mile accessible paved path suitable for walking, jogging and bicycles. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson, MO in Wayne County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-856-4411. For information about 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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Wild edibles hike scheduled at Sam A. Baker State Park May 11

The public will have the opportunity to learn about edible plants on a guided hike on Saturday, May 11, at Sam A. Baker State Park. Sponsored by the Missouri State Parks, the hike will begin at 10 a.m.

During a leisurely stroll on the Shut-Ins Trail, participants will learn about the different types of edible plants, how to identify them, their medicinal and edible purposes, and historical folklore. Those wanting to join the hike should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead, across from the park store, and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information on the event or to register, call the park at 573-856-4411. 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.

Missouri State Parks invites everyone to Great American Backyard Campout June 23

Smores - Great American Backyard Campout (Photo credit: ex_magician)

Experience an outdoor adventure under the stars with your friends and family June 23 during the Great American Backyard Campout in Missouri state parks.

The Great American Backyard Campout is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to reconnect and experience the outdoors. To help you celebrate, eight Missouri state parks are offering special programs and activities to make this night one to remember.

"The Great American Backyard Campout is a great way for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature, whether you’re an experienced camper or trying it for the first time. Once you’ve experienced your first camping trip, you’ve taken the first step to creating a healthy and fun family camping tradition," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Activities will vary from park to park and programs range from night hikes and camping demonstrations to music and storytelling. Programs will appeal to all ages, including kids who may be experiencing nature for the first time. All parks will offer a camping tradition -- sitting around a campfire and making and enjoying s'mores. Some programs are offered for the day and other parks offer overnight camping. Call the individual parks or visit mostateparks.com for more details.  

Following are the parks and historic sites participating in this year's Great American Backyard Campout.

• Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock (660-837-3330) – A performance by the environmental musical group Wildheart will inspire and entertain both kids and adults. This will be complemented with a hot dog roast and s’mores around the campfire.
• Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood (636-458-3813) – Missouri State Park Explorer activities on both Saturday and Sunday will feature camping, including tent-building races, basic camping information and campfire treats. Saturday evening’s program around the campfire will feature storytelling.
• Crowder State Park, Trenton (660-359-6473) – Begin the afternoon with nature crafts and face painting. In the evening, a campfire party will feature s’mores, followed by a hike to learn about the creatures of the night.
• First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, St. Charles (636-940-3322) – Experience the sights and sounds of an 1820s Frontier Campout during an afternoon historic encampment. The event will feature period tents and clothing, flint and steel fire starting, hearth cooking demonstrations, and period music, toys and games.
• Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Middlebrook (573-546-2450) – An evening campfire program will feature the art of storytelling and will include a treat of s’mores.
• Sam A. Baker State Park, Patterson (573-856-4514) – During an evening campfire adventure program, you can relax by the fire, share stories and savor America’s favorite camp food – s’mores.
• Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson (573-290-5268) – Spend the day exploring the park, then join everyone for an evening program of stories about the Mississippi River. A short walk to hear the sounds of the night will be followed by s’mores around the campfire.          
• Washington State Park, De Soto (636-586-5768) – After spending a day exploring the park, everyone is invited to bring a dish to the “pot luck” dinner, participate in a short night hike and sit around the campfire for an evening of s’mores, music and Native American campfire stories.

If you are not planning to go to a state park for a special program on June 23, visit any Missouri state park this summer and begin your own camping tradition with family and friends. For more information about the 40 state parks with campgrounds, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Families chosen for Learn2Camp Program in Missouri State Parks

Aerial view of Thousand Hills State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Forty-one lucky families are getting ready to begin a new adventure – discovering the great outdoors by camping in a Missouri state park.

The families were chosen to participate in the Learn2 Camp Program, a joint partnership between Missouri State Parks and The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program. The winning families were chosen from essays they submitted explaining why they wanted to learn to camp.

“The winning essays are awesome! It’s exciting to see how eager these families are to learn about camping. It makes us even more eager to share our expertise so that every family can have a great camping experience in a state park,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The 41 families, including 78 adults and 116 children, will attend one of five Learn2 Camp workshops throughout June in a Missouri state park. Workshops will be held June 2 at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park near Lawson, June 9 at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson, June 16 at Stockton State Park near Stockton; June 23 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park at Wildwood; and June 30 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville.

For the Learn2 Camp Program, Missouri State Parks supplies the camping equipment, provided in part by The North Face; the instructors to teach basic camping skills; a campsite in a state park campground; recipes for meals; and a list of things to bring. Each family is asked to bring food for meals; bedding; personal items; and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

The Learn2 Camp Program is the first in a series of Learn2 programs being sponsored by Missouri State Parks this summer. In July, free kayaking instruction is being offered in the Learn2 Paddle Program. For more information on this program, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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MO State Parks Offers Camping Tips for State Parks

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you want to learn the joys of camping in the great outdoors but don’t know where to begin? Missouri State Parks has the perfect program for you.

Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program this summer to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience in its Learn2 Camp program.  Some families may want to go camping but are uncertain how and what equipment is needed. The new Learn2 Camp Program answers all those questions with camping experts who will lend a hand with every aspect of the adventure.

This summer, 40 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at five different Missouri state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• June 2 – Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Lawson.
• June 9 – Sam A. Baker State Park, Patterson.
• June 16 – Stockton State Park, Stockton.
• June 23 – Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood.
• June 30 – Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville.

“It’s hard to imagine an activity that brings families together better than camping,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Our goal is to help everyone become more familiar with camping so they too can enjoy this great experience,” he said.
 In the Learn2 Camp program, Missouri State Parks will supply the camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills, a campsite in a state park campground, recipes and a list of things you should bring. Each lucky camping family should bring food for meals, bedding, personal items such as soap, etc., and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

To become one of the lucky families, tell us why your family wants to learn to camp in 500 words or less. Also, select your first and second choices for the Learn2 Camp program locations and dates. Application deadline is 5 p.m. May 11 and the winners will be notified by Tuesday, May 15.
A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Please include adequate adult supervision for children to ensure the program can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.

To apply to be a lucky Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, go to mostateparks/learn2camp. To learn more about the parks where the programs will be held or all state park campgrounds, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Fire Tower Hike planned May 12 at Sam A. Baker State Park

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Participate in a hike in one of Missouri's more accessible and scenic state parks!

Experience spring in one of the most scenic areas of the state May 12 on a hike to the fire tower on Mudlick Mountain at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the two-mile hike will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude around noon. The event is free and open to the public.

Spring marks the beginning of new life and is a great time of the year for a hike to the fire tower. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower sits at the top of Mudlick Mountain at an elevation of 1,313 feet elevation. The hike is moderate and steep in some places so wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Hikers should meet in the front of the visitor center. The fire tower is not accessible to visitors.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143 about four miles north of Patterson. For more information, contact the park naturalist at 573-856-4514. 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.

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Keep Baker Beautiful Day Planned May 5 at Sam A. Baker State Park

The dining lodge at Sam A. Baker State Park was built by the CCC of native stone and wood. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You are invited to spend the day outdoors and help one of Missouri's most scenic state parks at the "Keep Baker Beautiful Day" May 5 at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, this 20^th annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the public is encouraged to attend.

This special day recognizes both Earth Day and Missouri Beautification Month by getting the park in shape for the upcoming visitation season.  There will be assignments for all ages. Planting, trail care and litter patrol are just a few of the projects planned for the day. Meet at the park's visitor center around 8:30 a.m. to meet other volunteers and get your project assignments.

After the work is completed, volunteers will receive a free picnic lunch and a certificate of appreciation. Bring a pair of work gloves and drinking water, wear closed-toed shoes and join the fun. 

For more information, contact Michelle Soenksen, Sam A. Baker State Park naturalist, at 573-856-4514. To register, call the park office at 573-856-4411 by May 3. In case of severe or inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For information on Missouri 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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Birds over Baker event planned April 28 at Sam A. Baker State Park

Bird - Blue Jay (Photo credit: blmiers2)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Discover the world of birds by learning all about our feathered friends at the Birds over Baker event Saturday, April 28 at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
This birding festival will feature demonstrations and activities for the whole family. Throughout the day, there will be activities and crafts, guided bird hikes and information on topics such as migration and hunting game birds. The World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis will present a Raptor Awareness program at 2 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. Learn all about birds of prey during a live bird presentation featuring Missouri raptors such as hawks, owls and falcons. Get a close-up look as they soar right over your head during this interactive show. Food and bird merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143 about four miles north of Patterson. For more information, contact the park naturalist at 573-856-4514. 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.

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