(Joplin, MO) – This month, the Wildcat Glades Nature Group, along with other partners, will host a Preschool Connections program, Nature Explorers program, and their much-anticipated May the Forest Be with You event. They will also continue work on their Habitat Restoration project along with trails at Wildcat Park.
Wildcat Park Habitat Restoration Initiative & KCU Student Trail Initiative
Various dates throughout the month | Ongoing project – check Facebook page for workday schedule
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 nearly every Thursday or Saturday during the year.
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.
May the Forest Be With You: Return of the Native Species
Saturday, May 3 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | All ages welcome | Free to attend | Wildcat Glades
Help us, Joplin, you’re our only hope!
Get ready because the Wildcat Glades Nature Group, the City of Joplin, Liberty Utilities, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Wright Tree Service, Grip-Cuts, and the Missouri Master Naturalists are teaming up to save Missouri’s native species and protect Wildcat Glades!
The theme of this year’s event is “Return of the Native Species,” which focuses on the importance of native species for our local ecosystems and the ways we can help foster native species in our homes and communities. But, if the ultimate battle between good and evil isn’t exactly your forte, there will also be a Native Tree Giveaway, sponsored by Liberty Utilities. (Trees must be requested from Liberty prior to the event; additional trees will be available to purchase from Forest Keeling while supplies last.) The event will also feature live music, food trucks, a recycled art contest, an all-ages Star Wars-themed costume contest sponsored by the Joplin Parks & Recreation Department, an outdoor scavenger hunt, an appearance from the 501st Legion, and numerous booths hosted by organizations in and around the community.
There’s no need to register for this event. Just head to Wildcat Park and enjoy the festivities! Have questions? Email colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Preschool Connections: Sunflowers
Wednesday, May 7 @ 10:00 to 11:00 am | Saturday, May 10 @ 1:00 to 2:00 pm | For kids ages three to seven, accompanied by an adult | Free class sponsored by Calvin Cassady | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
Aren’t sunflowers just great? Everyone at Wildcat Glades definitely thinks so!
At this month’s Preschool Connections, everyone will be learning about, reading about, singing about, and planting some amazing sunflowers in the Wildcat Garden. Your child will also receive seeds to plant at home. If your kids love gardening, plants, or just plain old digging in the dirt, this program is for them!
Reserve a spot for your littles by clicking here or emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org to reserve their spots.
Nature Explorers: Spider Sniffing
Saturday, May 17 | 6:00 to 7:00 pm | Ages seven to 14 | Free to attend | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage
Want to go spider sniffing? It may sound silly, but spider sniffing is a real technique used to find spiders in the wild by catching the reflections of a flashlight off their eyes.
Ready to learn more and get your own spider sniffing certificate? Then you’ll have to come join us!
You must pre-register for this event by clicking here or emailing 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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