Hiking

NOTE: new start time! Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike at Prairie Fork Conservation Area (Callaway County); 4.5 miles – moderate. Due to Runge's Native Plant Sale on the same day, hikers should meet at MDC headquarters, 2901 W. Truman, or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack. *Attend 10 Runge hiking programs and receive a prize AND to put your name in a drawing for a larger prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. Registration required. Ages 18+

Experience the natural wonders of Fort Belle Fontaine County Park while hiking through a variety of habitats while searching for early sights and sounds of spring. Walk the trail past the upland prairie leading down to views of the Missouri River and the historic Grand Staircase. Along the way we will look for ephemerals such as Dutchman’s breeches and Spring beauty as well as new growth and buds on native trees and bushes. Parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy.

Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle and bring a walking stick if you have one. Meet at the parking lot just past the entrance to Fort Belle Fontaine County Park.

RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, 3/31!

Let’s go for a night hike to look at the amphibious first signs of spring throughout August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area’s aquatic habitats. We’ll meet at the Classroom for a short amphibian ID presentation, then caravan to the Lake 33 wetlands as the sun goes down in search of reptiles and amphibians emerging from winter hibernation. Be prepared to get dirty as we explore the site’s pond and surrounding areas. Please dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight/headlamp.

Difficulty = Moderate: natural, gravel, and paved surface hiking at night. The number of amphibians expected to be seen will depend on the weather. Best results will be when temperatures stay above 50 degrees F at night. Because of this, there is a small possibility this program will be rescheduled to March 31st (same time) to take advantage of optimal temperatures.

Join us to enjoy the signs of spring while exploring the Wildcat trail system. This will be around a four-mile hike with some rugged terrain. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bring binoculars if you like. Meet at the Gazebo on the west side of the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. This program is for women only. Ages 14-adult. Girls 14-17 accompanied by an adult female are welcome.

Come spend a beautiful spring afternoon hiking in Rockwoods Reservation. We should be able to see and identify many native wildflowers and flowering trees. You will also see how “Wise Use” over the past 85 years has transformed Rockwoods into an amazing place. The entire program is outdoors, and we will be hiking the Trail Among the Trees Trail. Participants should be able to do a 1 ½ mile hike with a 200-foot elevation gain.

Hike and explore the newly opened Bryant Creek State Park in Douglas County. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool. Bring a sack lunch and a reusable water bottle and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Trekking poles are recommended. Hike is approximately 5 miles and rated difficult. Ages 18-adult.

NOTE: new start time! Grab your hiking stick for a guided hike at Don Robinson State Park (Jefferson County); 4 miles – moderate. Meet at the Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.*Attend 10 Runge hiking programs in 2023 and receive a prize AND to a chance to win a larger prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. Registration required. Ages 18+

Celebrate the season by joining a Naturalist guided hike on the Rock Quarry Trail Short Loop. Learn about the identification and ecological importance of native wildflowers, plants and trees we will observe along the way. Participants should be able to hike 1 mile on a trail that requires moderate – difficult effort.

Wear good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring water and any other hiking needs.

Participants will meet at the Pavillion by the Education Center. Please register each participant individually.

Get the best of both worlds by joining a naturalist for a dusk hike! On our hike, we will search for spring ephemerals and other signs of spring. As the sun goes down and dusk turns to night, we’ll find out what happens on the trails when it’s dark outside. Dress for the weather with comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration required. All ages

Join MDC Staff for our Introduction to Backpacking Program where we will hike in Paddy Creek Wilderness along the Big Piney north loop to the south loop (approx. 8 miles) with primitive overnight camping along the trail. Trail map can be found at: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PaddyCreekWildernessTrails. Please note that the full length of the Big Piney Trail is 17.5 miles. As this is an introductory program, we will hike the north section from Roby Lake and take the connector loop to the south trail - approx. 8 miles - and primitive camp along the southern section.

Expect the Ozark Hills terrain of steeper climbs to beautiful overlooks as well as hikes along ridge tops and down into valleys. We will be camping along an overlook of the southern loop. Participants will need to filter water along the trail and hike their water supply to the campsite on the ridge. There will also be several creek crossings. Be prepared to bring a spare pair of sandals when crossing the creeks.

Since this is an Introductory Backpacking Program, all gear and equipment can be provided for participants. We will conduct a mandatory virtual check-in on March 28 (6:00pm-8:00pm) which is around three weeks prior to the trip to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics. A supply list will be emailed to you if you need any backpacking equipment or gear. You will also be required to submit a survey of your past outdoor skills experience, as well as submit an emergency medical form in case of any emergency while on trail.

All family or friend groupings will be responsible for carrying their own gear, including water filter, stove, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are responsible for packing your own food - this will be discussed in our virtual check-in - and you will be shown how to hang a bear-bag and filter water while on trail. We will be outside for the entirety of this program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the instructor.

Thank you and our hope and goal is for each of you to be more inspired to explore the trails around you - whether that is through practicing your backpacking skills during this trip or taking longer day hikes. We want you to know that you have access in many ways to our beautiful natural resources!

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist Chapter will host two interpretive nature hikes at Steyermark Woods Conservation Area in Hannibal on Saturday, April22. The first hike will begin at 10 a.m. and focus on Spring Migratory Bird identification. The second will start at 1 p.m. and focus on Spring Wildflower identification. Each hike will last approximately one hour.

Celebrate the spring season with an educational hike through Steyermark Woods. The morning bird hike will be led by Dr. Coelho, Professor of Biology at Quincy University, an avid birder, and trained Missouri Master Naturalist volunteers, participants will observe and learn about the conservation area, woodland habitat, and spring migratory birds.

The afternoon hike will be led by Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist and participants will observe and learn about the conservation area, woodland habitat, flowering trees and ephemeral wildflowers in bloom.

Participants should wear good hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather, and should consider bringing a camera, binoculars, water, and snacks.

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist Chapter will host two interpretive nature hikes at Steyermark Woods Conservation Area in Hannibal on Saturday, April22. The first hike will begin at 10 a.m. and focus on Spring Migratory Bird identification. The second will start at 1 p.m. and focus on Spring Wildflower identification. Each hike will last approximately one hour.

Celebrate the spring season with an educational hike through Steyermark Woods. The morning bird hike will be led by Dr. Coelho, Professor of Biology at Quincy University, an avid birder, and trained Missouri Master Naturalist volunteers, participants will observe and learn about the conservation area, woodland habitat, and spring migratory birds.

The afternoon hike will be led by Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist and participants will observe and learn about the conservation area, woodland habitat, flowering trees and ephemeral wildflowers in bloom.

Participants should wear good hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather, and should consider bringing a camera, binoculars, water, and snacks.

Help celebrate our 35th anniversary with a hike at the Nature Center! Each month a naturalist will lead a hike to share the beauty of the Nature Center trails with you. Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike 1.5 to 2 miles. The trail is considered easy to moderately difficult with some uneven terrain. Ages 8-adult. Children ages 8-17 must have a registered adult accompanying them.

Put on your hiking shoes and join us for a guided hike of the Wilderness Trail at Meramec State Park (Franklin County); 5 miles – moderate. Meet at Runge Nature Center or the trailhead. Some transportation is provided, but carpooling may be necessary. Hike leaders will contact participants before the hike to give directions if needed. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and pack a lunch/snack.. *Attend 10 Runge hiking programs in 2023 and receive a prize AND to a chance to win a larger prize at the end of the year! Hiking is a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. Registration required. Ages 18+

MDC and the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) manage remnant prairies that will be toured. Space is limited to 30 participants divided into two hiking groups. Biologists will answer questions, help identify birds, and talk about prairie ecology and plant life. The prairies are within a broader area designated by MDC as the Hi Lonesome Priority Geography. In this priority geography, MDC staff works on public and private lands to improve native grassland habitat. The geography has been designated as one of Audubon’s Important Bird Areas and the prairies are on the Great Missouri Birding Trail. Directions https://goo.gl/maps/oUBkFg37qYoogVmz8