(Joplin, MO) – This coming May, the Wildcat Glades Nature Group, along with other partners, will be hosting a Yoga in Nature event, Preschool Connections programs, Birds & Brews, a partnership program with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and their monthly Nature Explorers program. 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.
Birds & (Coffee) Brews
Saturday, May 11 | 8:00 to 10:00 am | All ages welcome | Free event | Redings Mill Bridge | Partnership program with Missouri Department of Conservation & Ozark Audubon Society
Do you like coffee? Do you like birds? Do you like bridges? If any of these strike your fancy, Birds & Brews is the place to be! Enjoy the morning air and be serenaded by nature’s best avian musicians while you sip the finest drinks Pearl Coffee has to offer on the historic Redings Mill Bridge.
There’s no need to register, just head to Redings Mill Bridge any time between 8:00 to 10:00 am and enjoy the festivities!
If you have any questions, please contact colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Yoga in Nature for Kids
Saturday, May 11 | 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.
Preschool Connections: Sunflowers
Saturday, May 11 @ 1:00 to 2:00 pm | Wednesday, May 15 @ 10:00 to 11:00 am | For kids ages three and up | Free class sponsored by Calvin Cassady | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
Squirm the Squirrel was looking for his favorite sunflower seed when he realized that something magical had happened… This month’s Preschool Connections follows the adventures of Squirm the Squirrel as he finds his favorite seed. After the story, it’s time to sing a song, and plant your very own magic sunflower! Your child won’t want to miss this!
Make sure to pre-register your kiddos here or email colvin@wildcatglades.org to reserve their spots.
Conservation in the Parks: Barn Swallows
Tuesday, May 21 | 10:00 to 11:00 am | For ages 13 and up | Free event | Mercy Park | Partnership program with Missouri Department of Conservation & Ozark Audubon Society
Spring is a great time to get out and look for birds, both migratory and the ones that nest here year-round! Although some just pass through Missouri, many nest right here in Joplin. Join us to look for birds of all kinds and the signs of their nests at Mercy Park.
You must pre-register by clicking here or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Nature Explorers: Crawdads
Saturday, May 25 | 10:00 to 11:00 am | For ages seven to 14 | Free event | Wildcat Glades Pavilion
Crawdads, crayfish, crawfish, craydads… it doesn’t matter what you call them, they’ll still be snippy! If you’ve spent any time near Missouri’s streams, you’ve probably seen these clawed crustaceans dart through the water or hide under rocks. Be prepared to get messy, because at this month’s Nature Explorers, we’ll be wading into a shallow stream and observing crawdads in their own habitat! You’ll want a towel for this one!
Please wear appropriate attire, towels are recommended.
Make sure to pre-register here or email colvin@wildcatglades.org to save you spot.
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
Be the first to comment