Outdoor events planned at St. Joe and Sam A. Baker
An all-day hiking adventure will show hikers several different faces of St. Joe State Park in Park Hills. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, these free hikes are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both April 28 and May 26.
The event will combine three different hiking experiences for an intimate glimpse of the park’s natural side. Participants will hike approximately five miles on a wooded horse trail and paved bicycle path before wading a quarter-mile stretch of Harris Branch Creek.
Hiking in places will be strenuous and the terrain will be rocky and possibly very muddy so the hike is not recommended for children under 10 years of age. Hikers are urged to bring lunch, water and an old pair of tennis shoes for wading in the creek. Participants should meet at the Blankshire trailhead parking lot on Pimville Road.
The program is free of charge but advance registration is requested. For more information or to register, call Missouri Mines State Historic Site at 573-431-6226.
Another option for next Saturday will be Birds over Baker at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
This birding festival will feature demonstrations and activities for the whole family. Throughout the day, there will be activities and crafts, guided bird hikes and information on topics such as migration and hunting game birds. The World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis will present a Raptor Awareness program at 2 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. Learn all about birds of prey during a live bird presentation featuring Missouri raptors such as hawks, owls and falcons. Get a close-up look as they soar right over your head during this interactive show. Food and bird merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143 about four miles north of Patterson. For more information, contact the park naturalist at 573-856-4514. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
