Wildcat Glades Nature Group Releases Their September 2025 Program List

(Joplin, MO) – This month, the Wildcat Glades Nature Group along with other partners, will be hosting a Preschool Connections program, our Nature Explorers program and Textile Fiber Art Class. 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 – 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 robin@wildcatglades.org.

Textile Fiber Art Project

Friday, September 5 | 6:30 pm | For ages 16+  | $10 per person | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage

Sip on soothing herbal teas, make new friends, and create your very own unique art piece in a warm, relaxed setting! Instructor Kelly Hock will be leading this workshop and will be there to guide participants every step of the way, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and at ease. The class fee is just $10 and covers all your supplies. If you’re feeling generous, extra donations are always appreciated but never expected.

Learn more and register here.

Preschool Connections: Squirrels and Trees

Wednesday, September 10 @ 10:00 to 11:00 am | Saturday, September 13 @ 1:00 pm | For kids ages three to seven, accompanied by an adult | Free class sponsored by Calvin Cassady | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage

Join Wildcat Glades for Preschool Connections, a playful, hands-on class designed especially for young children and their caregivers. Together, participants will discover the lively world of our furry tailed neighbors, the squirrels, and the places they call home. Listen to a fun story about a squirrel’s busy day, followed by a short talk about trees and the many ways animals use them.

Make sure to register your littles by visiting the Wildcat Glades’ Facebook page or emailing sara@wildcatglades.org.

Nature Explorers: Plant Prints & Nature Journaling

Friday, September 19 | 6:00 to 7:00 pm | Ages seven to 14 | Free to attend | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage

Participate in a nature journaling activity that involves observing leaves, bark, and plant textures through rubbing and sketching. The session will cover approaches to experiencing nature while preserving the environment for wildlife and others. This activity encourages careful observation and creative documentationn of the surroundings.

For additional information or to register, please visit the Wildcat Glades’ Facebook page or email sara@wildcatglades.org.

Trail Rehabilitation

Saturday, September 6 and Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | For ages 18+ | Free to attend | Wildcat Glades Education Cottage

Help enhance the Wildcat trails by volunteering for Wildcat Glades’ Trail Widening Workday!

Join fellow trail enthusiasts as volunteers work together to improve accessibility and safety along scenic routes. Please remember to wear sunscreen and apply bug spray, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the morning! This event is open to adults ages 18 and older. Your efforts will help ensure that the Wildcat trails remain a welcome, well-maintained space for all who love the outdoors!

To sign up to volunteer, please visit the Wildcat Glades’ Facebook page.

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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