Six state parks to close temporarily for managed deer hunts Dec. 12-13

Deer hunters will have an opportunity to harvest a whitetail deer in six Missouri state parks during managed deer hunts to alleviate deer overpopulations on Dec. 12-13. During the hunts, the parks will be closed to all visitors, except already approved deer hunters.  By law, state parks are established as wildlife refuges and hunting is not permitted except under special circumstances. 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.

Managed hunts will be conducted Dec. 12-13 at the following parks:

• St. Joe State Park near Farmington
• Crowder State Park near Trenton
• Cuivre River State Park near Troy
• Pershing State Park near Brookfield
• Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg
• St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre

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. Missouri State Parks administers state parks and historic sites throughout Missouri. All other state parks and historic sites, other than the six mentioned above, will not be affected by the hunts and will remain open to the public. 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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St. Francois State Park hosts “Save the Bluebells” April 25

The second “Save the Bluebells” event will be held on Saturday, April 25 at St. Francois State Park in Bonne Terre. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event is open to the public. Participants should meet at the park amphitheater at 2 p.m.

The Virginia Bluebells that carpet the ground each spring bring many visitors to St. Francois State Park, but they are threatened by garlic mustard, an invasive plant species that has begun to move into the area. This plant produces toxins in its roots that keep other plants from growing. Last year, a group of scouts and park visitors pulled more than 500 pounds of this “alien” plant.

Participants will receive a certificate and a special snack made with the garlic mustard as a token of thanks. Trash bags will be provided. Volunteers wishing to wear gloves should bring a pair.

St. Francois State Park is located 4 miles north of Bonne Terre on Highway 67. For more information about the event, call St. Francois State Park at 573-358-2173. 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.

Informational Meeting planned at St. Francois State Park on Oct. 5

Map of Missouri highlighting Saint Francois County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre. The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, located directly behind the shower house.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the meeting. This includes several recently completed upgrades to the park’s camping, hiking and picnic facilities. Visitors are also invited to share comments and offer 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 that the public has input on services offered in state parks and historic sites.

A visit to St. Francois 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.

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

Missouri State Parks Open Houses

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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Learn 2 Camp at St. Francois State Park Sept. 8-9

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For more information: 573-751-1010

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Have you always wanted to learn to camp in the great outdoors but didn’t know where to begin? Missouri State Parks is giving you the perfect opportunity Sept. 8-9 during its Learn2 Camp Program at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre.

Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience. Eight families will have the opportunity to participate in the program. Camping experts will answer all your questions and lead you through every aspect of the camping adventure in a state park. No camping equipment is required; all equipment has been donated by The North Face to provide participants with a memorable camping experience.

To become one of the lucky families, it is as simple as telling us why you want to learn to camp in 500 words or less. A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 23. The selected families will be notified by Aug. 25.

To learn more about the program and to apply, go to mostateparks.com/park/st-francois-state-park. 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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Informational meeting planned Oct. 15 at St. Francois State Park

Image via Wikipedia

MISSOURI CAMPING

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., OCT. 5, 2011 - The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre.  The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, located directly behind the showerhouse, and is open to the public.

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. Agenda items will include a discussion about recent upgrades to the park's camping, hiking and picnic facilities.

            This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have 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 inSt. Francois County.  People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling St. Francois State Park directly at 573-358-2173 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2479 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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• Informational meeting planned Aug. 27 at Pershing State Park (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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