“You know where Knob Noster State Park is, don’t you?” a friend asked me earlier this week. “Just east of Warrensburg,” I replied confidently. I take pride in being able to identify and locate public places throughout Missouri where you can get out and enjoy the outdoors. I have visited more than half of theContinue reading “Walk in the park to highlight “Benefits of Nature””
Tag Archives: hiking
Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend
For nearly six decades the Open Space Council has been taking to the rivers and creeks around St. Louis to fight the effects of flooding, illegal dumping and careless littering with an army of thousands of dedicated volunteers. More are always welcome. On Saturday, Aug. 23, participants in the 58th annual Operation Clean Stream willContinue reading “Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend”
Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year
For the first time in a decade, deer hunters in Jefferson County will not be required to take their harvests to a chronic wasting disease sampling station on opening weekend this year. Since the disease was first discovered in Franklin County in 2015, the state Department of Conservation has mandated testing in Jefferson on theContinue reading “Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year”
State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri
The chances for a bear encounter in Jefferson County for this year diminishes as summer fully sets in and the wandering young bruins of spring are settling into the more comfortable environs in the rural areas of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Even if we have already missed the opportunity have a black bear close toContinue reading “State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri”
Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning
A friend of ours asked for recommendations for local places to take her children during their summer vacation. She planned to visit one new location each week for the kids to explore and learn. I thought it was a great idea, so I assembled my ten best suggestions. She did not put any restrictions onContinue reading “Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning”
Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary
While many people look for more ways to exploit the earth and its resources, it is heartening to known that places still exist that are dedicated to preservation of our planet in its almost natural state. On Dec. 31, 2024, in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Missouri StateContinue reading “Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary”
Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers
A cool autumn afternoon with the forest of trees near their peak for fall colors may have been the best possible day to explore the Joachim Loop Trail at William C. Haggard Park in Herculaneum. But multiple times on the walk, I thought the path could be nearly perfect any time of the year. ForContinue reading “Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers”
Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park
A couple of weeks ago I wrote in the Jefferson County Leader about upcoming meetings at Taum Sauk State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry. Due to recent flooding in the area, guided hikes scheduled for the two areas have been postponed until Dec. 7. Below is that column with the new dates. Many moons agoContinue reading “Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park”
Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month
For all of its reputations and stereotypes, Jefferson County probably does not get enough credit for its glories. Back roads and byways throughout the area offer some outstanding fall color displays this time of year. A few weeks ago I wrote about the parks and places where you can sample spectacular views while on foot,Continue reading “Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 