PROGRAMS PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUMMER

Hikers set off down the tail toward the Mississippi River and stone quarry at Trail of Tears State Park.

When people think of summer fun, they usually do not think about learning. They are more likely to think about baseball, barbecues and float trips.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is trying to put an end to that by offering some fun educational programs at the Trail of Tears Park throughout the summer.

Programs are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday and run from one to three hours. They begin with a short lecture at the Visitors' Center.

Next weekend, visitors can enjoy a night hike through the park, a nature scavenger hunt and opportunities to learn about the history of Cherokee Indians, the Trail of Tears and animal tracks.

Park naturalist Denise Dowling and other park naturalists will lead the different programs. Some seasonal staff and Americorps members will also help out.

Education about Native Americans plays a part in several of the programs offered. "We're trying to include education about Native Americans in general," said Dowling. "We try to educate people about the history around them."

Visitors can experience how Cherokee Indians crossed the Mississippi and how they walked the actual Trail of Tears after crossing the Mississippi. People can also learn about the story of the Dream Catcher and how to make one of the Native American crafts.

But programs dealing with nature make up a bulk of the summer activities. Several hikes and walks are planned for participants to experience nature firsthand. Creek hikes on July 11 and Aug. 29 will let people wade through Indian Creek and see the different types of life in and around the creek.

Another one of the walks will let people revisit, or visit for the first time, the old rock quarry that was closed to the public several years ago.

"It gives the opportunity to revisit the old quarry," Dowling said. This hike is very strenuous and will take 2 1/2 to three hours, so people should bring some water.

No one younger than 12 is allowed on the quarry hike, which will take place Aug. 9, and there is limited space, so call ahead to reserve a spot.

Visitors can also learn about animals and insects through several of the programs. Programs about Missouri mammals, aquatic insects, spiders, frogs, salamanders, birds, bears and owls can be attended throughout the summer.

For those who missed the turtle races at Riverfest, some of Missouri's fastest turtles can be found at the Trail of Tears June 27.

Many other nature programs will happen throughout the summer.

Dowling said the programs such as this are offered throughout the state every year by the DNR. "Any place that has a park naturalist has a program like this," she said, but many people do not know the programs exist. Some people in the Cape Girardeau area do not know the Trail of Tears park exists, though more people are starting to.

"The local people are starting to realize these programs exist," she said. "I do appreciate when local people come out and take part in these programs. But I still hear people (who have lived in and around Cape Girardeau) for years say things like, 'When did they build this?'"

So she recommends people of all ages, family groups or individuals to participate in at least one of the summer programs at Trail of Tears.

Some of the programs, such as the night hikes and the quarry hike, have limited space, so call the park ahead of time at 334-1711 to reserve a spot.