MDC says head outside on Earth Day April 22

Kansas City, Mo. – Spring blossomed early this year, thanks to a mild winter and unusually warm temperatures. So when Earth Day arrives on Saturday, April 22, wildflowers will be blooming and trees leafing out. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers urban hiking trails in the Kansas City metro area for those who want to enjoy spring and celebrate Earth Day by getting outdoors.

MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area at Blue Springs has six hiking trails from a half mile to a mile and a half in length. Hikers can traverse forest, woodland and native grassland restorations.

Also, the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center is offering a free Paper for Pollinators program 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. Visitors can make a decoration from recycled paper that includes native plant seeds. The seeds can be planted to grow flowers friendly to pollinator species such as bees and butterflies. The Nature Center is at 1401 N.W. Park Road.

MDC’s James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee's Summit has a 1.5-mile trail for hiking, and a 15-mile multi-use trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Other popular attractions at the Reed Area are 12 fishing lakes from small to large in size. They are accessible for bank anglers, and spring is an excellent time to go fishing. The area is at 13101 S.E. Ranson Road.

For information about programs and trails at Burr Oak Woods, call 816-228-3766 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods.

Information about the Reed Area is available at https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/reed-james-mem-wa or by calling 816-622-0900.