https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/207112
Spring is a wonderful time of year when lots of babies are hatching from their eggs! Join us for Little Acorns: Eggcellent Eggs to learn more about the eggs our local animals lay, and the babies that come out of them! Also, make a fun eggy craft to take home with you!
https://wildcatglades.org/event/nature-explorers-native-pollinator-plants/
April 18th, 6 pm – 7 pm at the Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
For ages 7 to 14
April’s here, that means it’s time to spring into action and learn about pollination! Even though Missouri’s pollinators and the native plants they pollinate are an integral part of our ecosystem, they’re often overlooked, but we here at Wildcat Glades say it’s time to change that. Come learn about our native plants and the pollinators that sustain them at this month’s Nature Explorers!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/NatureExplorers425.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206837
Naturescaping is simply utilizing native flowers, vines, shrubs, and other plants that share our environment for our landscaping needs. Naturescaping fits the MO Stream Team mission for it helps reduce the use of lawn chemicals and pesticides in our watersheds. The landscaping may be as manicured as a formal garden or have a little wild space in a backyard corner. The benefits of a purposeful flowerbed or landscape will be covered from the roots up, including starting with a new space to rehabbing an existing flowerbed. The design and plant components of a butterfly garden, hummingbird haven, and more ideas to entice wanted wildlife will be included. The program is geared for all interested adults including educators developing rain gardens and planning outdoor classrooms.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206838
Native plant rain and water gardens have many community and wildlife benefits. MO Stream Team program promotes them because they slow water runoff after a storm or high intensity rainfall event; come and see what might work on your site. This naturescaping style does not use lawn chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides so it helps protect our watersheds. An additional advantage is it can provide a beautiful habitat for a variety of beneficial pollinators, amphibians, hummingbirds and several songbirds. We will introduce some easy steps to get started.
https://www.mssu.edu/academics/education/environmental-health/events.php
The Earth Day Sustainability Conference is a campus and community wide event that brings together partners related to environmental issues and education. There are educational talks on local and other environmental-related issues. There are also educational booths from partners and stakeholders from the surrounding community and campus. This event is open to any age, and we welcome participants from the community.
This conference will be held in the Billingsly Student Center Ballroom.
8:00-12:15pm: Public viewing of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle competition projects
9:30am-12:15pm: Speakers (BSC, 3rd floor, Ballroom)
9:30-9:55: Mr. Gregory Jarman, Liberty Utilties, Buffalo Quarry: The Country’s First Gray Bat Mitigation Bank
9:55-10:20: Ms. Paige Ford, Quapaw Nation Environmental Office, Superfund Remediation at Tar Creek
10:20-10:45: Ms. Anna Swearengen, MO Stream Team, What is Missouri Stream Team
11:00-11:50: Dr. Teresa Boman, Dr. Mary Kilmer, Ms. Claire Nelson, MSSU BIO and EH Department, Microplastics Everywhere: What We Know About Their Impact on Water, Ecosystems, and Our Bodies
11:50-12:15: Dr. Teresa Boman and Ms. Melissah Perkins, MSSU Environmental Health and Safety Program, Results of the MSSU Recycling/Sustainability Awareness Survey
8:30am-12:15pm: Educational Booths (more to come!)
Wildcat Glades
Region M Waste Management District
MO Stream Team, MDC
Joplin Public Health Department
La-Z-Boy
Liberty Utilities
Joplin Parks and Recreation
Natural Grocers
Harry S Truman Coordinating Council
Lake O' The Cherokees Subwatershed Association (LOTCSWA)
Jasper County Public Health Department
Prairie State Park
Quapaw Nation Environmental Office
12:15-12:30pm: Announce Reduce, Reuse, Recycle competition winners
12:30-1:15: Open Forum: Sustainability at MSSU Campus. Anyone is welcome to participate and share their opinions or ideas related to sustainability at MSSU. Hosted by the MSSU Sustainability Committee.
If you're a gardener curious about these amazing plants, swing by the 'Goats in the Garden' event at Empire Market.The Missouri Master Naturalist, Chert Glades Chapter, will be there to reveal Top 10 picks for different interests and garden situations.
Do you want to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden? Are you trying to save water, or do you have a problem with too much water? Is your yard all sun or all shade? Are you trying to connect children to nature, or do you just want things to look pretty?
Drop by our table and discover which plants might fit your needs in the very best way. Let's level up Missouri's green game, one awesome plant at a time!
Empire Market
998 E 3rd St, Joplin, MO 64801
"Help us, Joplin—you're our only hope!"
Join the Wildcat Glades Nature Group, Joplin Parks & Recreation, Liberty Utilities, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Master Naturalists, Wright Tree Service, and Gripka Cuts as we team up to champion native species and safeguard our planet!
This year’s theme, “Return of the Native Species,” highlights the epic showdown between native and invasive species—and how you can play a heroic role in ensuring victory for our natives.
If battles between good and evil aren’t quite your thing, don’t worry—there’s plenty more in store!
Enjoy a Native Tree Giveaway sponsored by Liberty Utilities, live music, delicious food trucks, an all-ages Star Wars-themed costume contest, an exciting scavenger hunt, tree demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and a variety of booths hosted by community organizations.
Let’s stand together for our planet and make this an unforgettable event.
May the Forest be with us!
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 1 p.m.
“What is a saunter?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Winter is waning, and the bison are ready for warmer weather. We will saunter our way to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Binoculars will be useful in looking at bison as well as other wildlife that we may see. Dress for the weather – the winds can be rather nasty.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is required, and there is a limit of 30 participants. To register, call the park office at 417-843-6711.
State Park is located at:
128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO
For ages 3 – 7
Aren’t sunflowers just great? We here at Wildcat definitely think so! At this month’s Preschool Connections, we’ll be learning about, reading about, singing about, and planting some amazing sunflowers in the Wildcat Garden. Your child will also receive seeds to plant at home. If your kids love gardening, plants, or just plain ole’ digging in the dirt, this is the program for you!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections525
For ages 3 – 7
Aren’t sunflowers just great? We here at Wildcat definitely think so! At this month’s Preschool Connections, we’ll be learning about, reading about, singing about, and planting some amazing sunflowers in the Wildcat Garden. Your child will also receive seeds to plant at home. If your kids love gardening, plants, or just plain ole’ digging in the dirt, this is the program for you!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections525
Enjoy time in the great outdoors and test your bird knowledge by taking part in our self-guided Trail Trivia! Come inside the center to pick up a question sheet, a pencil, and a clipboard before hitting the trail and answering the questions (found along the trail). Answer as many or as few as you like but don't forget to stop back by the front desk to drop off your stuff and grab a prize!
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/207995
For ages 7 to 14
Want to go spider sniffing? It may sound silly, but spider sniffing is a real technique used to find spiders in the wild by catching the reflections of a flashlight off of their eyes! Ready to learn more and get your own spider sniffing certificate? Then you’ll have to come join us at Nature Explorers: Spider Sniffing!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/NatureExplorers525
Come help us kick off the growing season and celebrate all things spring!
https://mowildflowers.net/upcoming-events/
https://ozarksoul.com/sale-events/
Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person. Live snakes will be on display during this program.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/207997
We’re excited to invite you to Wildcat Glades' fourth annual "Crawdads at the Creek" event! Everyone’s welcome to join us for a fun-filled evening by the creek, featuring a delightful crawdad dinner under a cozy, lit event tent. Enjoy live music, a dessert auction, yard games, and the chance to connect with nature while indulging in a tasty meal. Tickets are just $50 per person, and we’ll provide refreshing drinks, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase. We can’t wait to see you there and share this special experience together!
Water you doing? It’s time for Wildcat Glades’ yearly Water Festival!
This collaboratory event between Wildcat Glades Nature Group, Stealth Creative, Missouri American Water, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Joplin Parks department is bound to leave you wet behind the ears! Join us for cardboard boat races, shoebox boat races, a rubber duck race, a fishing derby, food trucks, and 20+ booths from local vendors or organizations.
More information will be added as we get closer to this year’s Festival. Mark your calendars today!
https://www.fws.gov/event/open-house
Annual Open House for 2025 will be Sunday April 13th. We try to time the event to coincide with the Neosho Dogwood Tour. This event offers a variety of booths from our partners, including distribution of free native trees from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Some of the participants in the past have included: Master Gardeners, Southwest MO Beekeepers, Eagle Outdoors, League of Women Voters, George Washington Carver National Monument, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and Wildcat Glades. You can also find information on habitat restoration, outdoor skills, and exploring the region. The Kufara Marimba Band will play again this year, and is a local favorite. We provide lectures on pollinators and Introduction to native plants class (inside 10 am and 1pm) There is coffee on the porch, Visitor Center and nature store will be open, and the Neosho Arts Council does a fun chalk art area. This is a free event to the public and a hot dog lunch will be provided.
https://wildcatglades.org/event/preschool-connections-dandelions-2/
April 9th, 10 am – 11 am and April 12th, 1 pm – 2 pm at the Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
For ages 3 – 7 accompanied by an adult
Free-to-Attend Program sponsored by Calvin Cassidy
What do you wish for when you blow a dandelion? Here at Wildcat, we’re wishing that you’ll come learn with us! Even though they’re sometimes called a weed, dandelions are incredible flowers that provide an easy food source for insects, bees, rabbits, and even—sometimes—humans. Join Wildcat’s own Miss Vicki as she reads The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony, sings a song, and does a family-friendly craft that’ll blow you away!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections425.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206988
Join us to explore what wildflowers are in bloom on the trails and around the center along with how to identify them. This mile long walk is rated easy but does contain uneven surfaces.
https://wildcatglades.org/event/wildcat-glades-rummage-sale-2/
Free to Attend, Merchandise Prices May Vary
April 11th, 8 am – 5 pm & April 12th, 8 am – 3 pm at the IBEW Hall (3316 Hearnes Blvd, Joplin, MO 64801)
All ages welcome
Come support Wildcat Glades Nature Group at our semi-annual Rummage sale! All proceeds directly support efforts at Wildcat Park by the Nature Group. Donations will be accepted April 8th and 9th at IBEW Hall from 9 am to 5 pm. Items to donate could include books, household and decorative items, craft supplies, fabric, tools, kitchen stuff, costume jewelry, sports equipment, small pieces of furniture, like-new accessories, toys in good condition, and jigsaw puzzles, to mention just a few categories.
No large appliances, old TVs or clothing will be accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact colvin@wildcatglades.org or message us via Facebook.
https://wildcatglades.org/event/preschool-connections-dandelions/
April 9th, 10 am – 11 am and April 12th, 1 pm – 2 pm at the Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
For ages 3 – 7 accompanied by an adult
Free-to-Attend Program sponsored by Calvin Cassidy
What do you wish for when you blow a dandelion? Here at Wildcat, we’re wishing that you’ll come learn with us! Even though they’re sometimes called a weed, dandelions are incredible flowers that provide an easy food source for insects, bees, rabbits, and even—sometimes—humans. Join Wildcat’s own Miss Vicki as she reads The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony, sings a song, and does a family-friendly craft that’ll blow you away!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections425.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie flies? Join the Shoal Creek staff and MAKO fly fishers as we continue a fly-tying series designed for beginners and experts alike. Each session will build off of the previous session, so attendance for all sessions is encouraged. In session #4, we will go over the equipment and supplies needed as we tie Elk-hair Caddis. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own vice and tools. Space is limited
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/205241
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 1 p.m.
“What is a saunter?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Winter is waning, and the bison are ready for warmer weather. We will saunter our way to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Binoculars will be useful in looking at bison as well as other wildlife that we may see. Dress for the weather – the winds can be rather nasty.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is required, and there is a limit of 30 participants. To register, call the park office at 417-843-6711.
Prairie State Park is located at:
128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206573
Students will learn all aspects of fur handling and preparation. It is a hands on program which will assist the fur harvester in preparing fur for marketing.
Salamanders are on the move this spring! Join us in the classroom at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center to learn all about our slippery amphibian friends and make a craft to take home!
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206363
Partnership Program with Kelly Hawk of Good Naturing
For ages 14+
$10 per Attendee
What’s the most important resources in a survival situation? Clean water! At this special Wildcat program, attendees will learn how to create natural water filters that can be used to create clean drinking water in a variety of outdoor environments. Water you waiting for? Sign up today!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/WaterFiltration325.
Join us as we observe World Water Day by participating in a stream cleanup on Shoal Creek. We will meet at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center before going to clean up a stretch of the creek.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206331
For ages 7 to 14
Free to Attend
Mammals are all around us. The squirrels in your yard? Mammals! The family dog? It’s a mammal! Do you have a cat instead? It’s still a mammal! At this month’s Nature Explorers, we’re tackling the finer details that make mammals tick. You won’t want to miss this one!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/NatureExplorers325.
For ages 14+
Don’t you think the world could use more color? Watercolor to be exact! Come ring in the Springtime with the Wildcat Glades Nature Group as we paint the outdoors in the outdoors. You won’t want to miss this art-standing program!
Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org, or by going to https://bit.ly/Watercolor325.
Looking for a free fun family activity while off for spring break? Join us for a game of bingo that has a fun and educational twist. Win prizes and see some live animals, too.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206358
March is the perfect time to learn about Missouri wildflowers. Join us to celebrate spring break by exploring flowers inside and out while discovering why they are important to wildlife. During this program we will discuss basic flower anatomy and create some easy floral artwork.
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/206356
Come on out to Atwood's this Saturday, March 15th, to grab two (2) Hotdogs and a drink for ONLY $1.00. To round out your meal, there will be chips and a dessert for .50 each. Condiments will be provided free except Sauerkraut is .25 extra.
All proceeds go to Chert Glades Chapter for outreach and education at events.
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 1 p.m.
“What is a saunter?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Winter is waning, and the bison are ready for warmer weather. We will saunter our way to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Binoculars will be useful in looking at bison as well as other wildlife that we may see. Dress for the weather – the winds can be rather nasty.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is required, and there is a limit of 30 participants. To register, call the park office at 417-843-6711.
Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re already hooting in anticipation. Join us to learn about common Missouri owls what makes them effective nighttime hunters and how to identify them by sound. This is a live event only. Registration is required with a valid email address to receive the program link.
Instructor: Jesse Ballard
Location Information
PHONE#: 1-417-629-3434
Cancellation Policies:
You must cancel your registration before Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Age Policy:
This event is open to all ages.
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 1 p.m.
“What is a saunter?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Winter is here, and the bison are prepared for its biting wind and cold temperatures. We will brave the conditions to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Binoculars will be useful in looking at bison as well as other wildlife that we may see. Dress for the weather – the winds can be rather nasty.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and open to the public. However, registration is required, and there is a limit of 30 participants. To register, call the park office at 417-843-6711.
Come on out to Prairie State Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, to celebrate the tallgrass prairie during the biennial Prairie Jubilee event. Take part in activities such as a living history loop where you can interact with interpreters and others to learn what it was like to live on the prairie; learn to use an atlatl; observe 19th-century cooking; see horses and wagons; and listen to the sounds of the prairie. Also, be sure to take a ride out to see the bison and try some bison for lunch, followed by homemade desserts. During the event, you will get to visit with people from the Missouri River Bird Observatory, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Fort Scott National Historic Site and George Washington Carver National Monument who partner to protect and preserve the tallgrass prairie.
All traffic is required to enter from the north, as we have one-way traffic on Northwest 150th Lane. Come in via Liberal, Missouri.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. This includes during the Prairie Jubilee. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and sponsored by Missouri State Parks.
Prairie State Park is located at:
128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO | 417-843-6711A
Monarch Festival
Registration is not required.
Meeting on:Located at:
Start TimeEnd TimeSaturday, September 21, 202410:00 AM Saturday, September 21, 20242:00 PM
Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
201 W. Riviera Drive
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 629-3434
Get Directions
Additional Information:Instructed by:Drop by any time at these free events. Purchase native plants for your landscaping needs, and enjoy a fun-filled day of monarch butterfly-themed activities and crafts.
Jessie Ballard
PHONE#: 1-417-629-3434
The staff of George Washington Carver National Monument invites you to Prairie Day, September 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Held in conjunction with Gem City Days in Diamond, Prairie Day commemorates George Washington Carver’s childhood environment through storytelling, music, historic skills demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Volunteers In Parks make this event possible. Co-sponsored by the Carver Birthplace Association, Prairie Day is FREE of charge! Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions.
Exhibits and demonstrations include Civil War history, archaeology, apple cider making, basket weaving, treadle machine sewing, crocheting, knitting, a quilting bee, woodworking, prairie ecology, pollinators, beekeeping, birds, mammals, fish, and bison history. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. Musicians at the music tent include the Vogts Sisters, Abbey Waterworth and Josh Gilbert, and Pickers Post. At the 1881 Carver House, demonstrations include processing and spinning flax, wool spinning, weaving, Dutch oven cooking, lye soap making, food preservation, butter making, and music. Visitors can make butter, dip a candle, and do washboard laundry.
Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver - scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road.
Prairie State Park will host a Guided Bison Saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 10 a.m.
“What is a ‘saunter’?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Fall is fast approaching, and it is a great time to visit. Temperatures will be cooling, and the bison will be growing their winter fur before long to prepare for winter. Wildflowers are blooming and getting ready to set seed. There is a lot of activity on the prairie this time of year. Visitors should be prepared for at least a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Since we won’t know the location of the bison until the morning of the saunter, bringing water, snacks, a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen and wearing sturdy footwear is recommended. The weather can be unpredictable, so please prepare for it. Binoculars can be useful in watching the bison and other wildlife.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park's campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
This event is free and sponsored by Missouri State Parks.
Registration is required, and the event is limited to 25 participants. To register, call 417-843-6711.
See more guided saunters and hikes at Missouri State Parks.
Prairie State Park is located at:
128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO | 417-843-6711
pollinator.org
Great fun for the whole family
G.O.A.T. stands for 'Greatest of All Time,' as in the ultimate champs. In Missouri, this means superstar plants that do wonders for nature…native plants that birds, bees, and butterflies depend on to thrive.
If you're a gardener curious about these amazing plants, swing by the 'Goats in the Garden' event at Empire Market on March 9th. The Missouri Master Naturalist, Chert Glades Chapter, will be there to reveal Top 10 picks for different interests and garden situations.
Do you want to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden? Are you trying to save water, or do you have a problem with too much water? Is your yard all sun or all shade? Are you trying to connect children to nature, or do you just want things to look pretty?
Drop by our table and discover which plants might fit your needs in the very best way. Let's level up Missouri's green game, one awesome plant at a time!
Look for us on March 9, 2024 from 10:00 - 2:00
Empire Market
998 E 3rd St, Joplin, MO 64801
Meet at Wildcat Glades Cottage for breakfast and a bird count around Shoal Creek Conservation & Education Center. The convoy will go to another location (Phil & Gail O’Hare) for lunch and count birds from an enclosed porch. From there the convoy will move over to the home of Martin Bailey for Dessert. It a fun day with great fellowship, food and of course BIRDS.
