Missouri State Park Ranger earns national Park Ranger of the Year Award

Corporal Brandon Bartz of the Missouri State Park Rangers has been named 2015 Park Ranger of the Year by ServiceWear Apparel. The national award is presented each year to honor a park ranger who goes above and beyond in service. The company selects the nominees based on submissions and the public votes online for the winner.

“The lifesaving actions of Cpl. Bartz are nothing short of heroic,” said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “His exemplary conduct is a reflection of the rich tradition of the Missouri State Park Rangers.”

Cpl. Bartz was nominated for his actions at Castlewood State Park after a guest jumped from a cliff and became stuck 140 feet from the ground. Cpl. Bartz climbed the rock face to reach the victim. Supported only by a small tree, he spent more than two hours with the victim, administering aid and offering encouragement and comfort, before being extricated to safety.    

“Cpl. Bartz is very deserving of this honor,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “His selfless actions represent the best of Missouri State Park Rangers, who work hard every day protecting parks and ensuring visitors’ safety.”

For additional information on Cpl. Bartz and the other finalists, visit servicewearapparel.com/ranger/finalists.php. 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.

Nine of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence

The "Castle" at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Missouri State Parks was recently awarded nine Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor. This prestigious award recognizes establishments that consistently receive great TripAdvisor reviews from travelers.

Missouri state parks and historic sites receiving the recognition are: Bennett Spring State Park, Castlewood State Park, Deutschheim State Historic Site, Elephant Rocks State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Roaring River State Park, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and Table Rock State Park and State Park Marina.

“The fact that our guests are having an outstanding experience is reflective of the great work being accomplished by staff,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “This type of recognition underscores the 97 percent approval rating we consistently receive from visitors. It’s our goal that every time a family visits a state park our historic site, they have fun and make great memories.”

The Certificate of Excellence Award was founded in 2010, and honors hospitality businesses that demonstrate hospitality excellence and represent the top quality of businesses listed on TripAdvisor. Honorees must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five bubbles on the site’s bubble rating system, have at least the minimum number of reviews necessary, and be listed on TripAdvisor for at least twelve months.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. The site features visitors’ reviews of places to stay, visit and eat, and offers a ratings system as a guide for prospective visitors.

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Forest Lake Trail at Thousand Hills State Park April 22

Missouri State Parks will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Forest Lake Trail, which was recently completed at Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at the Forest Lake trailhead, located behind the restaurant.

The completed portion of the trail is six-tenths of a mile long and connects Campground 2, the Petroglyph Shelter, the swimming beach and the concession area of the park. The trail features a concrete surface and a pedestrian bridge constructed of steel and wood. The bridge has decorative petroglyph images cut from steel plates. The trail was partially funded by a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant obtained by the Forest Lake Area Trail System, and it was constructed by Missouri State Parks crews.

The first phase of the Forest Lake Trail marks the beginning of an ambitious project to connect Thousand Hills State Park with the City of Kirksville with a dedicated walking and bicycling trail.

Thousand Hills State Park is located west of Kirksville.  For more information about the 660-665-6995. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visitmostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

event, call the park at

Informational meeting for Deutschheim State Historic Site Nov. 15

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting regarding Deutschheim State

Historic Site in Hermann. The open-house style meeting will be held at the historic Feldmann-Stark House located at 109 W. Street on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Park representatives will provide information on recent accomplishments. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about the site. This informational 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.

Informational meeting at Grand Gulf State Park Oct. 23

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Grand Gulf State Park on Thursday, Oct. 23. The open-house style meeting will be from 3-6 p.m. at the park.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. This informational 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.

During the meeting, a solar eclipse will occur at 4:45 p.m. and continue until sunset. Telescopes will be available to observe the event.

               

Grand Gulf State Park is located just outside of Thayer. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 417-264-7600. 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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Informational meeting and presentation at Route 66 State Park Oct. 19

This is a picture of the Meramec River as it flows past Route 66 State Park in St. Louis County, Missouri. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Route 66 State Park on Sunday, Oct. 19. In conjunction with the meeting, visitors are invited to attend “Route 66 – Crossroads of the Past and Future,” a presentation by author Jim Hinckley. Hinckley has written many books on Route 66, several of which are available at the park gift shop.   A book signing of his most recent book, Travel Route 66, will follow the presentation.

The meeting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the park’s visitor center, with the special Route 66 presentation beginning at 1 p.m. During the informational meeting, park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about park services and operations. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have the opportunity to provide input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Route 66 State Park is located two miles east of Eureka off of Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting 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.

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Outdoor adventures await in Missouri State Parks

Limestone Cliff Overlooking Valley of Missouri River (Photo credit: ConanTheLibrarian)

With summer around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.  Spending a night under the stars, hitting the trails and enjoying a day on the water are all options for guests enjoying Missouri State Parks.  

“Whether your family has a tradition of enjoying the outdoors, or you have yet to explore the natural wonders on display in our state parks, I’d like to invite all our guests to try a fun new activity in Missouri State Parks,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “It’s a great time to try kayaking, enjoy s’mores around the campfire or simply visit a park you’ve never experienced before.”

While planning a trip to a state park or historic site, guests can view parks by region and by activities available at mostateparks.com/find-a-park. Trail options, lodging opportunities and fishing types are among the topics users can select to find the perfect location for their next state park visit. 

Many state parks are located on lakes and offer easy access to water activities at Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Stockton Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Truman Lake, Long Branch Lake, Mark Twain Lake and Lake Wappapello.  Guests interested in kayaking can take advantage of two new water trails at Stockton State Park near Stockton and Finger Lakes State Park north of Columbia. 

State park campgrounds offer a variety of amenities ranging from basic campsites for tent campers to campsites with sewer/electric/water hookups for recreational vehicles. Campgrounds offer hot showers, laundry facilities, dump stations and other amenities. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis or can be reserved in advance.  Starting at noon on May 23, campers can enjoy the re-opened campgrounds at Big Lake State Park in northwest Missouri and Viney Creek Recreation Area in southwest Missouri. 

In 2013, Missouri was named the best trails state in the nation by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails.  Missouri State Parks includes nearly 1,000 miles of trails for guests to discover and is proclaiming 2014 the “Year of the Trail”.  The celebration includes trail-related special events and programs as well as a new GeoChallenge on the Missouri State Parks mobile app that challenges guests to navigate to trailheads in state parks and historic sites. 

In March, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the second year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including Missouri’s state parks. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, visit 100MissouriMiles.com.

From nature programs to guided hikes, guests can also enjoy upcoming special events taking place day-to-day in Missouri State Parks.  On June 7, family-friendly activities throughout parks and historic sites will mark the country’s largest celebration of trails, National Trails Day.  On June 28, guests will join thousands of people across the nation for the Great American Backyard Campout.   

For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, to find a special event near you, or to make a camping reservation, go to 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.  

Informational meeting at Montauk State Park on June 7

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Montauk State Park on Saturday, June 7. The open house style meeting will be held from 1-5 p.m. at the Searcy meeting room located next to the park office

Park representatives will provide information on recent accomplishments and future plans for the facility and will be available to answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. 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.

Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Hwy. 119 in Dent County. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-548-2201. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

Deadline approaches for families to sign up to Learn2 Camp in Missouri State Parks

Granite boulders 1.5 billion years old at Missouri's Elephant Rock State Park Español: Paisaje granítico en Missouri. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face Explore Your Parks Program this summer to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience in its Learn2 Camp program. The application deadline is May 11 at 5 p.m. for the programs, which are held in June.

“Some families may want to try camping but are unfamiliar with what is needed because they don’t have much experience in the outdoors,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “This is where the Learn2 Camp program comes in.   We provide instruction, equipment and everything you need to start a tradition of spending the night under the stars.”

This summer, 32 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at four different Missouri state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

June 7-8	Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg (east central Missouri)
June 14-15	St. Francois State Park, Bonne Terre (St. Louis area)
June 21-22	Weston Bend State Park, Weston (north Kansas City area)
June 28-29	Long Branch State Park, Macon (north central Missouri)

Families participating in the Learn2 Camp program will have access to camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills and a campsite in a state park campground.

To apply to be a Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, visitmostateparks.com/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.

Celebrate Earth Day at Prairie State Park April 19

Earth Day is just around the corner and Prairie State Park would like to invite visitors to help celebrate with an Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 19. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will take

place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The event will include activities and games designed to educate participants on how to keep the planet healthy. The fair will also feature a performance from Emmy award winning educators and entertainers, Jan and George Syrigos, who make up the musical group WildHeart. The duo invites children and families on a musical adventure exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-843-6711. 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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Spring Trail Work Day at Stockton State Park March 15

Volunteers are invited to participate in the Stockton State Park Spring Trail Work Day on Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, visitors will assist park staff by smoothing and leveling trail tread and removing roots and rocks on Lakeview Trail, which is currently under construction.

Participants should meet at the Stockton State Park office at 9 a.m. Tools will be provided,

but volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves and wear work clothes and sturdy shoes. Snacks and drinks will also be provided. Rain or other inclement weather will cause the event to be rescheduled at a later date.

Stockton State Park is located at 19100 South Hwy 215, Dadeville, Mo 65635. For more information about the event, contact the park at 417-276-4259. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Grant applications will be accepted for the federal Recreational Trails Program

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting grant applications from private organizations and municipal, county or state agencies for the Fiscal Year 2014 grant round of the federal Recreational Trails Program.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

Eligible project categories include development of new trails, construction, maintenance, and restoration. All grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, and a minimum 20 percent match is required for projects. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2014.

To assist potential project sponsors with the application process, a grant application workshop will be held in Jefferson City and two conference calls will take place in January. The complete schedule is available online at http://www.mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants.

The application is available online at www.mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants or by writing to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri State Parks, Grants Management Section, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

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Missouri State Parks encourages families to enjoy ‘Black Friday’ hikes

Missouri State Parks is encouraging Missourians to get outdoors on Nov. 29 to enjoy an adventure on a trail in Missouri State Parks. Missouri State Parks includes 87 state parks and historic sites with nearly 1,000 miles of trails to explore.      

“The day after Thanksgiving is a great time to start a family tradition of exploring the outdoors with a hike on a trail,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Missouri State Parks is also a proud partner of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Mile Challenge, and ‘Black Friday’ is a great opportunity to get outdoors and log miles on our award-winning trails.”

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.

More than 12,000 participants have logged more than 1 million miles since 100 Missouri Miles kicked off in June. Participants can run, walk, bike, ride, swim or roll on trails or other outdoor venues to achieve the challenge of 100 Missouri Miles.

From a short walk on a paved trail to a hike through the wilderness, Missouri State Parks’ trail system has a lot to offer. Both experienced trails enthusiasts and beginners can get more information on these trails in “Trails of Missouri State Parks,” a 422-page, full-color book that lists trails in 58 state parks and historic sites. Each trail is summarized with a written description and a map that includes contour lines, GPS coordinates for trailheads and outstanding features like overlooks. The spiral-bound book makes a great holiday gift and is available for purchase atmostateparks.com/shop.

For information about trails in 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 for General John J. Pershing and Locust Creek Covered Bridge state historic sites Nov. 19

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at the General John J. Pershing

Boyhood Home State Historic Site in Laclede on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The meeting, which will also include information on Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site, will be held from 6-8 p.m.  

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facilities and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about services and operations. The Pershing Memorial Association will also discuss recent efforts regarding the site. This informational 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.

Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site is located at 1100 Pershing Drive in Laclede. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility at660-963-2525. 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.

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Informational meeting at Route 66 State Park Oct. 26

 Meramec River as it flows past Route 66 State Park in St. Louis County, Missouri. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house Saturday, Oct. 26 at Route 66 State Park near Eureka. The informational meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center and refreshments will be served.

Representatives from the park will be on hand to review recent activities and discuss future projects. Visitors will be invited to share comments regarding park operations and plans for development.  The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites.

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

A visit to Route 66 State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. 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.

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.

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Public meeting planned at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Oct. 18

The public is invited to attend an informational meeting at Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Osage

Beach on Friday, Oct. 18. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Public Beach No. 1 Shelter House, located off Highway 134.

Representatives from the park will be on hand to discuss recent accomplishments and the park’s 2013 State Parks Youth Corps involvement. Representatives from the facility will also provide information on future plans and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions. This informational 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.

A visit to Lake of the Ozarks State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” 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. 

The Public Beach No. 1 Shelter House is located 5 miles south of Hwy 42 on Hwy 134. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at 573-348-2694. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Informational meeting planned at Lewis and Clark State Park Oct. 12

The public is invited to bring their ideas an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Lewis and

Clark State Park near Lewis and Clark Village. The meeting will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Open Shelter.

Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about park services and operations. This informational 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.

A visit to Lewis and Clark State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. 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.

Lewis and Clark State Park is located on Highway 138 off of Hwy 45/273 near Lewis and Clark Village. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 816-579-5564. For more information on Missouri State Parks, visit us at www.mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.