Informational meeting at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on June 9

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on Monday, June 9. The meeting will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gilbert Shelter in the third loop of the day use area.

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. Representatives will also be accepting comments concerning Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site and Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic 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.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located at 5901 South Highway 163, south of Columbia. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the facility directly at 573-449-7402. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

State Parks Youth Corps expands to Kansas City

DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)

A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to Kansas City this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at Kansas City Parks to area youth.

“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to Kansas City, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”

“The summer is a great time for our young people to build skills and we’ve worked hard to provide those opportunities in recent years,” said Mayor Sly James. “This partnership will allow us to enhance our efforts and give more youth opportunities to explore public service and to build an appreciation for the crown jewels that are our local parks.”  

“Partnering with Kansas City gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the Kansas City community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.

Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).

In addition to the added positions in Kansas City, SPYC is also expanding to St. Louis where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in St. Louis City Parks.

State Parks Youth Corps expands to St. Louis

DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)

A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to St. Louis this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at St. Louis City Parks to area youth.

“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to St. Louis, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”

“Providing summer jobs for young people is one of the top priorities of my Regional Youth Violence Prevention Task Force," said Mayor Francis Slay, City of St. Louis.  "Giving kids a summer job reduces crime and increases academic success.  I thank Governor Nixon for helping to provide funding so that we can issue paychecks to teens and young adults for the work they do.  I am confident a good job will help teach them the values of discipline, sacrifice, respect and teamwork."

“Partnering with St. Louis gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the St. Louis community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.

Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development and Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).

In addition to the added positions in St. Louis, SPYC is also expanding to Kansas City where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in Kansas City Parks.

Informational meeting scheduled at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Oct. 22

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, near Columbia. The informational meeting will address Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site and Clark’s Hill/ Norton State Historic Site. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day-use area of the park. Themeeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure the public has input and knowledge on services provided in parks and historic sites.

A visit to Rock Bridge 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, Governor 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.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located five miles south of Columbia on Highway 163. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402. 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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MO State Parks Teaches Ways to Enjoy Outdoors and Missouri "Children in Nature" Communities

Pickle Creek at Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Missouri State Parks offers ways to have fun in the outdoors

For more information: 573-751-1010

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Spending time outdoors can be even more enjoyable when you know how to do some fun activities. Missouri State Parks is offering you the opportunity to learn these activities in its free Learn2 Experience the Outdoors Program during August.

During each weekend in August, state park staff will show you how to kayak on a river or lake; try your hand at archery; find hidden secrets through geocaching; or prepare a delicious meal in a Dutch oven. Missouri State Parks will supply the equipment and the expertise. You supply the enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill.

“Anytime you can have a great experience in a state park, it makes your visit to the outdoors even more fun. Sharing these experiences with your friends and family creates memories that will last a lifetime,” says Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

The Learn2 Experience the Outdoors Program will be held on the following dates and locations:

• Aug. 4 – Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve – geocaching and Dutch oven cooking
• Aug. 11 – Pomme de Terre State Park, Pittsburg – archery and kayaking
• Aug. 18 – Mark Twain State Park, Stoutsville – archery and kayaking
• Aug. 25 – Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia – geocaching and Dutch oven cooking

Participants must be 10 years of age to participate in kayaking or archery. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

The Learn2 Experience the Outdoors is the third in a series of Learn2 programs sponsored this summer by Missouri State Parks. A Learn2 Camp Program was held in June and a Learn2 Paddle Program is being offered in July.

Registration is required and classes are expected to fill up quickly. To register for the event or for more information on state parks and historic sites, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Joplin and Kirksville recognized and Children in Nature communities

For more information: 573-751-1010

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Joplin and Kirksville have been recognized as Missouri Children in Nature communities for creating an environment that encourages children to get outdoors and enjoy nature. The cities were recognized in a ceremony July 23 in the Governor’s Office.

The Children in Nature Challenge was created by executive order to challenge Missouri communities to enhance children’s education about nature and to increase children’s opportunities to personally experience nature and the outdoors.

"Children appear to benefit physically, mentally and even spiritually by reconnecting with nature, and we need to provide them with the opportunities to do so," said Georganne Nixon, First Lady of Missouri. "We are pleased to announce the cities of Joplin and Kirksville have successfully completed the challenge."

To successfully complete the challenge, the communities must meet several criteria, including increasing awareness of opportunities to connect to nature; providing outdoor activities and events; enhancing and creating outdoor areas; encouraging the use of nature-based curriculum in schools; and partnering with local organizations and businesses to connect children with nature. Joplin and Kirksville join the cities of Des Peres and Jackson, who completed the challenge this spring, and Springfield, who completed the challenge in 2011.

For more information about the Children in Nature Challenge, visit http://childreninnature.mo.gov/.

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Volunteer training offered June 3 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are interested in volunteering at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia or just want to learn more about the park, attend the “Volunteering at Rock Bridge 101” training course on June 3 at the park. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the training will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is seeking people who are able to donate time, energy and enthusiasm to help protect park resources and serve park visitors. This training will cover information on the park’s history, mission and significant resources, including the basic geology, hydrology and biology of the Devil’s Icebox Cave system and its connection to surface watersheds. Part of the training will be held outdoors in the park and will teach map reading and how to identify and control invasive plants.

Potential volunteer opportunities will be outlined including presenting programs for children and adults; patrolling trails; conducting frog, toad and butterfly surveys; controlling invasive plant species; assisting with prescribed burns; maintenance work; office work and researching cultural history. No obligation is required, but participants who complete this training and want to volunteer will receive a volunteer manual and may sign up for additional training and service opportunities.

Advance registration is required for this program, which is designed for adults. Ages 10 to 17 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.  

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located five miles south of downtown Columbia on Highway 163. For more information or to register for one of the programs, contact Roxie Campbell at 573-449-7400. For more information about the park or any of Missouri’s 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 invited to share ideas at an informational meeting at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites you to bring your ideas to an informational meeting on Thursday, May 31, at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of Columbia.
The informational meeting will address issues related to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Jewell Cemetery and Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Sites. It will begin at 6 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day use area of the park. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.
The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input regarding services provided in state parks and historic sites. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Spring wildflower walks offered at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia is offering many opportunities to explore the park and discover all the wildflowers that flourish in the area. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, these walks are free and open to the public.
Weekly wildflower walks will be held every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through May 23. These walks will be on a different trail every week so participants can explore a new trail, see what is blooming that week and learn each flower’s story. The weekly wildflower walks will be led by park volunteer Randal Clark, who is doing the walks for his 30^th year. Participants should meet at the Devil’s Icebox parking lot and reservations are not required.
A special wildflower walk called “Where the Wildflower Grow” will be held Sunday, April 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. This walk will include the view from Coyote Bluff and will include a variety of glade and woodland wildflowers. Topics will include identification tips, medicinal and edible uses of flowers and woodland and glade ecology. The walk, recommended for ages eight to adult, is free but reservations are required. This walk will be led by Roxie Campbell, park naturalist.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located at 5901 South Highway 163 south of Columbia. For more information or to make a reservation for the hike, contact the park at 573-449-7400. For more information about Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Bat program scheduled April 5 at Columbia Public Library

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Learn about the awesome abilities of the world’s only flying mammal at a special presentation on bats at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5 at the Columbia Public Library in Columbia. Presented by staff from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia, the free photo-filled presentation will be held at the library’s Friends Room and is open to the public.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Missouri (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sponsored by Missouri State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service, the program will include information on the different species of bats that use the park’s Devil’s Icebox cave and details about white-nose syndrome, a disease that affects bats. The program provides the opportunity to see captive live bats and for children to decorate a cardboard bat to take home. The program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.

The Columbia Public Library is located at 100 W. Broadway in Columbia. For more information about the program, contact Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 573-449-7400. 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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Begin 2012 with a hike in a Missouri state park

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  JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., DEC. 9, 2011 – Celebrate the beginning of 2012 by participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes in one of nine Missouri state parks. The free guided hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy and rejuvenating hike Jan. 1.

            “We’re excited to host First Day Hikes in Missouri state parks as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. Hikes offer great ways to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Nine Missouri state parks will offer Jan. 1 guided hikes ranging from one-half mile to three miles.  A list of state parks with guided hikes follows.

·         Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood. Meet at 2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Day Memorial Trailhead; hike will be one mile;

·         Crowder State Park near Trenton. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Redbud Trailhead; hike will be two miles; Call 660-359-6473 or emailcrowder.state.park@dnr.mo.gov. to register.

·         Graham Cave State Park near Montgomery City. Meet at 12 noon at the park office; hike will be one-half mile on the Indian Glade Trail.

·         Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Pittsburg area campground entrance near trail kiosk; hike will be 2.75 miles on the Indian Point Trail.

·         Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park’s nature center; hike will be 1.5 miles on the Drover’s Trail.

·         Roaring River State Park near Cassville. Meet at 12 noon at the Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead; hike will be 1.5 miles;

·         Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia. Meet at 12:45 a.m. at the Devil’s Icebox parking area; hike will be three miles (with an option for a longer hike) in the Gans Creek Wild Area.

·         Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson. Meet at 1 p.m. at the park’s visitor center; hike will be approximately two miles along the park’s southern boundary.  Please register in advance by calling 573-290-5268 and leaving a message.

·         Washington State Park near De Soto. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Thunderbird Lodge; hike will be 1.5 miles on the 1000 Steps Trail.

“I hope you’ll take this opportunity to start the new year with a new tradition for your friends and family and take a hike in a Missouri state park. If you are not able to attend one of our guided hikes, you can still take advantage of the numerous trails throughout our state park system,” Bryan said.

            First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. While many states offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

            “What better way to kick off the new year than with a hike in a state park?” said Ruth Coleman, president of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”

            “Studies have shown that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s executive director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”

            America’s State Parks and Missouri State Parks are committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

            For more information on the First Day Hikes as well as all Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. For information on the First Day Hikes initiative across the nation, visit americasstateparks.org. 

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Five state parks will close temporarily for deer hunts

Image via Wikipedia

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., NOV. 14, 2011 – Deer hunters will have a rare opportunity to harvest a whitetail deer in five Missouri state parks during managed deer hunts to alleviate deer overpopulations on two weekends in November and December. During the hunts, the parks will be closed to everyone except the deer hunters.

By law, state parks are established as wildlife refuges and hunting is not permitted except under special circumstances. However, these special hunts are being used as a resource management tool because the deer population is too large for the environment of the park and resources in the park are being damaged.

Special hunts will be conducted at the following parks on the following weekends:

· Nov. 19-20 - Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg, including the campground and state park marina (the Hermitage area of the park will remain open).

· Dec. 10-11 - Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton.

· Dec. 10-11 - Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster.

· Dec. 10-11 - Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia.

· Dec. 10-11 - Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site near Lawson.

The hunts will be conducted following guidelines established by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which regulates hunting of wildlife in the state. Hunters who will be participating submitted special applications this summer for the Department of Conservation's special managed hunts, which are held annually. Hunters were selected through a random computer drawing. Only those hunters who already have a special permit will be allowed to participate in the hunts.

“These hunts benefit the parks because they help us manage the deer herd; they benefit the hunters because they provide a unique opportunity to provide protein for a family table, or for another family through the Share the Harvest program,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri State Parks administers state parks and historic sites throughout Missouri. All other state parks and historic sites, other than the five listed, will not be affected by the hunts.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

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Informational meeting planned Oct. 8 for Katy Trail State Park

Image via WikipediaHOW TO CHOOSE A TENT

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 30, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas about Katy TrailState Park to an informational meeting Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Katy Trail depot in Hartsburg. The meeting, which is from 9 a.m. to noon, will be held in conjunction with the annual Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival.  

 The informational meeting will address issues related to Katy Trail State Park with an emphasis on the section from Portland to the Missouri River at Boonville. Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.

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

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling Jim Gast, park superintendent at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visitmostateparks.com.

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Informational meeting planned Aug. 18 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 5, 2011 -

The public is invited to bring their ideas to a meeting Thursday, Aug. 18 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of Columbia. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day use area of the park.

The informational meeting will address issues related to the state park as well as Jewell Cemetery and Clark’s Hill/Norton state historic sites.  Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.

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

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ).  For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.