(Joplin, MO) – This coming April, the Wildcat Glades Nature Group, along with other partners, will be hosting a Yoga in Nature event, Preschool Connections programs, a Natural Dyes program, a foraging hike, and a long-awaited May the Forest Be With You event. They will also continue to work on their Habitat Restoration project along the trails at Wildcat Park.
Wildcat Park Habitat Restoration Initiative & KCU Student Trail Initiative
Various dates throughout the month | Ongoing project
Wildcat Glades Nature Group, in partnership with Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), continues to have work days to remove invasive species out at Wildcat Park. Invasive species are detrimental to native plants and wildlife in the Park. Removing the invasive species provides better habitat for plants and animals, and in turn, benefits us. The Restoration Plan is an ongoing project that will be carried out over the next ten years. The work days are completed by Wildcat volunteers, representatives from MSSU, and Wildcat staff. Workdays are held every other Thursday during the Winter.
The Kansas City University’s Students for a Sustainable Future organization spend every other Saturday at Wildcat Park working on the trails. These future medical professionals have worked with Wildcat Glades volunteers to remove invasive plant species from the trails, removed graffiti off various surfaces, cleaned up trash, and much more. They have become a staple for the volunteer workforce that keeps Wildcat Park clean for all to enjoy. We are grateful for all the hard work the KCU students and our volunteers have put in.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the project, please reach out colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Preschool Connections: Salamanders
Wednesday April 10 @ 10:00 to 11:00 am | Saturday, April 13 @ 1:00 to 2:00 pm | For kids ages three to seven | Free class sponsored by Calvin Cassady | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
What’s cute, slimy, and probably walking through your backyard? Why, it’s a salamander! Join Wildcat’s one-and-only Miss Vicki as she talks, reads, and sings about Missouri’s amazing salamanders. After a bombardment of salamander knowledge, you’ll wrap up the program by making your very own salamander abodes!
Make sure to pre-register your kiddos here or email colvin@wildcatglades.org to reserve their spots.
Natural Dyes
Friday, April 12 | 6:00 to 8:00 pm | For ages thirteen and up – age limit enforced for protection of staff and visitors | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage | Disposable gloves will be provided | $10 to attend
It’s time to brighten up April with a splash of color! Embrace your artistic side and get messy with some all natural dyes made from natural materials at Wildcat’s messiest program yet! Make sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty because you might pick up a few stains as you dye your very own tote bag and tea towel.
Registration is required. Please register here or email colvin@wildcatglades.org to reserve your spot.
Yoga in Nature for Kids
Saturday, April 13 | 10:30 to 11:30 am | For ages 4 and older, accompanied by an adult | Free class led by Peaceful Yoga | Wildcat Park Pavilion
Led by Amanda, a registered yoga teacher, this class is designed to incorporate elements of nature, breathing, and yoga poses specifically for kids. Bring your yoga mat or a towel and a reusable water bottle for this beginner’s class. Yoga is a beneficial exercise for children’s health and even better when it can be done outdoors.
Participants must be pre-registered. Please sign up online here or email colvin@wildcatglades.org.
April Foraging Hike
Saturday, April 13 | 3:00 to 5:00 pm | For ages 13 and up | $20 to attend | Partnership Program with Good Naturing Owner Kelly Hock | Wildcat Park Pavilion
Ready to eat stuff off the ground? Kelly Hock is a certified foraging instructor and will take a group of knowledge-hungry attendees on a hike through the trails at Wildcat Park. Attendees will learn about the wonders of wild edibles along the trails system, the ethics of foraging, and how to identify edible plants. This hike has a limited number of slots available, so make sure to reserve your spot before they’re gobbled up for good.
Register here or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.
May the Forest Be With You: Rise of the Natives/Revenge of the Invasives
Saturday, April 27 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | All ages welcome | Free event | Wildcat Glades Pavilion
Help us Joplin, you’re our only hope!
Wildcat Glades Nature Group, the City of Joplin, Liberty Utilities, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Master Naturalists are teaming up to battle the forces of invasive species and protect Wildcat Glades! This year’s joint theme“Rise of the Natives/Revenge of the Invasives” focuses on the ongoing battle between native and invasive species alongside the ways you can help natives win. If the ultimate battle between good and evil isn’t exactly your forte, we’ll also feature a Native Tree Giveaway sponsored by Liberty Utilities, live music, food trucks, a recycled art contest, and numerous booths hosted by organizations from our community.
There’s no registration for this come-and-go event! If you have questions, please email colvin@wildcatglades.org.
About Wildcat Glades Nature Group:
The Wildcat Glades Nature Group is dedicated to protecting the area known as Wildcat Park and the surrounding chert glade environment, habitat, and wildlife by promoting awareness and sustainability, providing education and recreation space and programs, and sponsoring nature-based activities.
Reference:
Robin Standridge, Executive Director
Wildcat Glades Nature Group
robin@wildcatglades.org
417.708.7713 or 417.629.3434, ext. 4540
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