TRAIL OF TEARS OFFERS MANY SUMMER PROGRAMS

The Trail of Tears State Park staff hope the summer programs will help entice more visitors to the 3,416-acre park this summer.

The park that was dedicated in 1954 has a lot to offer people from far and near.

The park's summer program runs through August with Fall Color Walks every Saturday in September slated at the park.

Park naturalist Denise Dowling hopes to attract more local visitors to the park's summer programs, which are open to everyone. However, the majority of the participants are people camping in the park.

"I don't think a lot of the local people realize we do these types of programs, so most of the people who come are local campers," Dowling said.

"There's so many local people that say it's been 20 years since they've been here, and I think once they come and rediscover the park they'll really appreciate it."

Summer program activities on nature-related topics are held Friday nights, Saturday mornings and evenings, and Sunday mornings. They begin with a short lecture in the Visitors' Center. Most average between one and three hours long.

There are a variety of subjects that should interest almost everybody.

June 8

Adventure Sunday: Quarry Hike-begins at 8:45 a.m. This is a semi-rigorous hike that will take visitors along the old Quarry Trail, currently off limits to the general public. A park naturalist will accompany visitors, but comfortable shoes and water should be brought due to the nature of this hike. Children under 12 are not allowed. Call for reservations.

June 13

The Coming of Darkness:Bats in the Night-at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be amazed as they learn the true story of the bat. Biology and management of this interesting group of flying mammals will be discussed in some detail. Visitors will be given the opportunity to learn how to build a bat house and attract bats to their homes and farms.

June 14

Trail of Tears Natural Area Hike- at 9 a.m. Enjoy a hike through pristine forest. See what the pioneers would have seen when they first came to the area. This is a strenuous 3-hour hike so bring water, tick repellent and dress appropriately. Along the hike natural areas will be discussed.

Folk Music Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. call for more information.

June 15

Frisbee Golf-begins at 9 a.m. Get out and enjoy one of America's newest games. All you need is one frisbee and an abundance of enthusiasm. Play Trail of Tears 9-hole frisbee golf course located at Lake Boutin.

June 20

Spider Sniff-begins at 8:30 p.m. Did you know you can locate spiders just by sniffing for them? Come out to Trail of Tears to see how it is done. In addition, you will have a chance to be inducted into a secret club designed only for those willing to let their nose lead the way.

June 21

The Life Cycle of a Tree-begins at 9 a.m. This program includes a short hike to demonstrate how a tree lives, grows and dies in a Missouri forest. Young children may especially be interested in this program, as it will be given from a point of view that can easily be understood.

A Walk in the Moonlight-begins at 8:30 p.m. Use only moonlight to explore night life in the woods, weather permitting. Please call for reservations.

June 22

Solar Printmaking-begins at 9 a.m. Make prints of objects such as leaves by using sun sensitive paper. Objects are placed on the sun sensitive paper and left to expose, later a chemical fix is added and a print is made.

June 27

Fishing Success at Trail of Tears State Park-begins at 8:30 p.m. There's fish to be caught at Trail of Tears and the naturalist knows how to get it done. Come out and learn how to reel em' in at the park. Whether its creek fishing, river fishing or lake fishing we can increase your success.

June 28

Morning program at 9 a.m. to be announced.

Missouri's Other Squirrel: Night Gliders-begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be introduced to Missouri's other squirrel: the southern flying squirrel. Biology and behavior of this species will be discussed and visitors may be surprised to learn that these interesting little creatures may be living in their backyards. Live animals will be presented upon conclusion of the program.

June 29

Wet & Wild: Missouri's Wetlands-begins at 9 a.m. Visitors should prepare to get wet as we embark on a journey of discovery. We will explore a wetland site within the park boundaries and visitors will be surprised at the diversity of life that abounds in this habitat. Those attending should meet at the Visitors Center and bring old shoes.

July 4

Indian Myths and Legends-begins at 7 p.m. Visitors will hear several Cherokee myths and stories covering such topics as how the earth was made, the stories of the owl and rattlesnake and memories from the actual Trail of Tears itself. Those interested in Cherokee folklore and history will want to attend this program.

July 5

Patriotic Sidewalk Art-begins at 9 a.m. Kids will be given sidewalk chalk and asked to create a patriotic artwork.

World Bird Sanctuary-Live Bird Program-begins at 7 p.m. The World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis will do a raptor program. Birds of prey will fly out over the audience.

July 6

Stream Diversity-begins at 9 a.m. Missouri's streams are full of life that most of us don't even know about. This will give visitors a chance to explore Indian Creek and find out exactly what's living in the creek.

July 11

Owl Prowl-begins at 8:30 p.m. This program begins with a slide show on owls in Missouri. After the slide show the program moves outside to learn how to hoot for owls. The goal is to entice some owls to fly by the group.

July 12

Critters in Danger: Missouri Endangered Species-begins at 9 a.m. This program will be very insightful to those people interested in how the Endangered Species Act works and why it is still in existence today. The program will focus specifically on Missouri's endangered species and what we can do to help preserve these "critters in danger."

Flashlight Egg Hunt-begins at 8:30 p.m. Bring flashlights and hunt for eggs.

July 13

Lewis and Clark Adventure-begins at 9 a.m. This program will make you think about how Lewis and Clark documented their river explorations.

July 18

Exotic Species: What to do?-begins at 8:30 p.m. This program will inform visitors about management techniques used at the park to control non-native species from taking over.

July 19

"Casting" Obstacle Course-begins at 9 a.m. See how well you cast. Cast through hula hoops, cast for distance and hit targets. Bring fishing rod and reel if possible.

A Walk in the Night Woods-begins at 8:30 p.m. This hike focuses on nature at night and is especially popular with children. Participants will be able to experience a Missouri forest community at work in the dark. Those attending should bring flashlights and comfortable shoes. Please call for reservations.

July 20

On the Wing: Birds in Missouri-begins at 9 a.m. This program provides a short look at the many species of birds that either pass through the Show-Me state or live here on a full-time basis. Some bird watching tips will be given so visitors should bring their field guides and binoculars.

July 25

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: Stargazing-begins at 8:30 p.m. A program on astronomy and if weather allows the group will hop from star to star with the aid of a telescope.

July 26

Quarry Hike II-begins at 9 a.m. A rigorous hike to the quarry, bring water and good hiking shoes. No one under the age of 12 permitted on this hike and it is recommended that parents accompany anyone under 16. Please call for reservations.

Predator/Prey Relationships-begins at 7 p.m. Visitors may get wet during this program.

July 27

Creek Fishing-begins at 9 a.m. You can find bass, bluegill and catfish and many other species in Missouri streams. Come out and let a naturalist lead you to the honey holes that produce.

Aug. 1

Turtle Races-begins at 7 p.m. Bring your own turtle to this event. See how your turtle matches up against some of Missouri's fastest. Please no wagering.

Aug. 2

Backyard Wildlife:What do you see?-begins at 9 a.m. This program is especially designed with children in mind and will be held outdoors to give youngsters the opportunity to explore and handle any "backyard critters" they may encounter.

Starlight, Starbright-begins at 8:30 p.m. Astronomy program, and if weather permits a look at the stars and planets through a telescope.

Aug. 3

Managing Park Resources-begins at 9 a.m. This program will show visitors how the park staff manages the resources of the park.

Aug. 8

Legends from the Hills-begins at 8:30 p.m. This storytelling session will be native American oriented.

Aug. 9

Small Mammal Trapping-begins at 9 a.m. Come out and learn how biologists take inventories of populations in order to better manage them. Trapping allows us to ensure the future of our furry friends for years to come.

Our Furry Friends: Missouri Mammals-begins at 8:30 p.m. This program will focus on the most common mammal species in Missouri, including coyotes, bobcats, squirrels, foxes, deer and bats. Visitors will learn how to spot and identify nest sites, dens, and tracks of certain animals.

Aug. 10

The Story of the Dreamcatcher-begins at 9 a.m. Visitors will hear the story of the dreamcatcher and learn how to create one of their own. Children may especially enjoy this hands on program.

Aug. 15

Missouri's Other Squirrel II: Night Gliders-begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be introduced to the southern flying squirrel.

Aug. 16

Beginning Bird watching-begins at 9 a.m. Bring field guide and binoculars to this program.

A Walk in the Moonlight-begins at 8:30 p.m. Hike through the park in the moonlight. Reservations are required for this program.

Aug. 17

Defining Wetlands in Missouri-begins at 9 a.m. Exactly what is a wetland and are wetlands still alive in Missouri. A naturalist will lead you through the process of defining a wetland and you can decide for yourself.

Aug. 22

Program at 8:30 p.m. to be announced.

Aug. 23

Glades and Prairies in Missouri-begins at 9 a.m. An informative slide show that details the ongoing conservation efforts in reference to our country's remaining glades and prairies. Visitors will learn about the many different species of plants and animals that inhabit these glades and prairies in western Missouri.

Natural Wonders of Missouri-begins at 8:30 p.m. This program will give an overview of Missouri's state parks.

Aug. 24

A Stroll Down History Lane-begins at 9 a.m.

Aug. 29

Eyes in the Night-begins at 8:30 p.m. A sensory awareness program teaches people how animals communicate at night. Visitors will be asked to use other senses besides sight to find others in the night.

Aug. 30

How To: Skins and Hides-begins at 9 a.m. Native Americans used to use skins and hides as calendars for the upcoming year. Come see how it is done and try your hand at making up one for your family.

Frog Legs and Salamander Toes: Frogs and Salamanders of Missouri-begins at 8 p.m. This program will introduce visitors to many sounds and sights of Missouri's amphibians. Visitors will learn how to differentiate between different species of frogs based on their calls alone as well as how to tell who's who in the salamander family.

Aug. 31

Missouri's "Pests": What they are and what they can do for you!-begins at 9 a.m. Several "pest" species will be discussed during this program, including raccoons, bats and snakes. Visitors will be enlightened as they learn the benefits of having these animals around their homes and farms.

September

Every Saturday in September "Fall Color Walks" will be held at 9 a.m. See the trees change color, signifying the change of season.