TRAIL OF TEARS PARK OFFERS MANY FEATURES FOR SUMMER

Family Feud, Snakes Alive and Egg'stra Egg'stra might sound like television shows on cable networks, but they are actually far from it.

These and other educational programs will be offered this summer at the Trail of Tears State Park.

Denise Dowling, park naturalist, said the programs run through Labor Day on weekends and are free to the public.

Snakes Alive is one of the more popular programs held by the park, Dowling said.

"We're trying to get rid of the idea that a the only good snake is a dead snake," she said. The program offers participants a chance to touch and hold snakes while learning about the snake's natural history and life cycles.

The quarry hike is a very popular program, Dowling said. The hike takes visitors to the quarry, which has been off limits since 1991. The quarry had to be closed because many injuries had happened in the area and because of the difficulty of getting emergency personnel inside.

She said participants enjoy the sense of nostalgia they get on the hike.

But the hike is not an easy one, Dowling warned. It lasts two to three hours, and a water bottle is required because of the heat.

Another helpful program being taught is the Survival in the Wilderness class. Dowling said the program teaches people that when lost in the woods it is better to stay put, because someone might have seen you in that area.

The class also teaches how to build make-shift shelters for survival, as well as other important survival lessons.

Night hikes are a good way to witness the wilderness at night, Dowling said. In the past, guides have encouraged participants to bring a flashlight, but Dowling discourages it.

"Many people use flashlights and shine them directly on the trail in front of them," she said. "If you let your natural night vision come into play, you can see much more."

Flashlights also frighten away animals, making the hike less interesting, Dowling added.

Egg'stra Egg'stra is a nighttime Easter-egg hunt. Dowling scatters plastic eggs out on a trail and challenges participants to find them.

Finally, Family Feud, state park style, is a group game based on the television game show, "Family Feud."

The audience is divided into groups that play the game against each other. Questions are about Missouri State Parks and wilderness education.

All programs are free and family-oriented. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact the Trail of Tears State Park at 334-1711.

TRAIL OF TEARS SUMMER PROGRAMS

All programs are free and meet at the Visitor Center. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult for all programs. Programs are subject to change. Call the park office at (573) 334-1711 to see if changes have occurred.

June 5 - noon Annual Wescoat picnic. Bring your own picnic lunch. Homemade ice cream will be provided by park.June 5 - 8:30 p.m. Owl ProwlJune 11 - 8:30 p.m. Starlight, StarbrightJune 12 - 10 a.m. Beginning Birdwatching. Bring binoculars if you have them.June 12 - 8 p.m. Folk Music ConcertJune 18 - 8:30 p.m. Night HikeJune 19 - 10 a.m. Snakes Alive!June 19 - 8 p.m. Trail of Tears HistoryJune 25 - 8:30 p.m. Egg'stra! Egg'stra!June 26 - 9:30 a.m. Quarry Hike. Difficult hike. Water bottles required.June 26 - 8 p.m. Bat FactsJuly 2 - 8 p.m. Wake up to Missouri state parksJuly 3 - 10 a.m. Creek Walk. Wear wading clothes and shoes.July 3 - 7 p.m. World Bird SanctuaryJuly 9 - 8:30 p.m. Eyes in the NightJuly 10 - 10 a.m. Survival in the WildernessJuly 10 - 8 p.m. Turtle ManiaJuly 16 - 8 p.m. Native American CulturesJuly 17 - 10 a.m. Map Reading BasicsJuly 17 - 8:30 p.m. Spider SniffJuly 23 - 8 p.m. Campfire ProgramJuly 24 - 10 a.m. CoyotesJuly 24 - 8 p.m. DNR - What do they do all day?July 30 - 8 p.m. Critters in DangerJuly 31 - 10 a.m. Scavenger HuntJuly 31 - 8 p.m. To be announcedAug. 6 - 8:30 p.m. Moonwalk. Bring binoculars.Aug. 7 - 10 a.m. Missouri MammalsAug. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Night HikeAug. 13 - 8 p.m. Skulls and CrossbonesAug. 14 - 10 a.m.

Incredible InsectsAug. 14 - 8:30 p.m. Star GazingAug. 20 - 8:30 p.m. Owl ProwlAug. 21 - 10 a.m. Dream CatchersAug. 21 - 8 p.m. To be announcedAug. 27 - 8 p.m. Tall TalesAug. 28 - 9:30 a.m. Quarry Hike. Difficult hike. Water bottles required.Aug. 28 - 8 p.m. Family Feud State Park StyleSept. 3 - 8 p.m. Natural Resources BingoSept. 4 - 10 a.m. Camouflage in NatureSept. 5 - 2 p.m. Snakes Alive!