Summer Wildflower Walk
Monday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Start: St. Stanislaus Conservation Area, Hazelwood, MO 63042

Route: 3 miles

Features: St. Stanislaus is in the Missouri River Bottoms in Hazelwood. Enjoy a short but rugged hike to the top of Charbonier Bluff. See how nature has reclaimed this land, which was settled in the early 1800’s. Spy wildflowers as we venture through the wooded habitat.

Pre-registration: Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 beginning June 24 to register for this group-led interpretive walk.

Directions: From Highway 370 take the Earth City Expressway, exit #9, northeast. This turns into Aubuchon Rd. Follow about 4 miles to the conservation area.
Link to Google Map

Fees: FREE

In partnership with: the Missouri Department of Conservation
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

Puffin Pedal
Trailnet
314/416-9930
www.trailnet.org

Registration: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Brought to you by: THF Realty
Start: Saint Louis Zoo, North Entrance
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Route: 5 miles
Features: Discover Forest Park’s diverse ecosystems and native landscapes while pedaling the paths outside the Saint Louis Zoo. After the ride, explore what’s new at America’s #1 Zoo (ranked by Zagat Guide/Parenting magazine). You can even see some real puffins at Penguin & Puffin Coast! The Zoo is open until 7 PM and families can enjoy Jungle Boogie, the Zoo’s Friday Night Concert Series, from 5 to 7 PM. Complete the route on your own; SAG support ends at 5:30 PM.
Parking: Free parking in the Zoo’s North Lot near The Living World. Note – the change in event start due to construction.
Fees: FREE
In Partnership with: The Saint Louis Zoo, REI and St. John’s Mercy Medical Center

Blessing of the Fleet
Saturday, 1:00 pm
Our Lady of the River & Grafton Harbor
215 W. Water St.
Grafton, IL 62037
618/786-7678

The Blessing of the Fleet takes place on the Mississippi River at the foot of Our Lady of the River statue in Portage des Sioux. After the blessing awards and festivities will be held at Grafton Harbor.

Bike St. Louis City Tour
Trailnet
314/416-9930
www.trailnet.org

Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Presented by The Great Rivers Greenway District
Start: Anheuser-Busch
One Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118
Routes: 23, 29 or 36 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling with some moderate hills
Features: Pedal the Bike St. Louis route, a project of The Great Rivers Greenway District, on this urban ride that features some of St. Louis’ distinct destinations: Soulard, Lafayette Park, Tower Grove Park, Central West End, Forest Park, Grand Center and the St. Louis Riverfront. The route includes a stop at the Velodrome; take a spin if you dare! This urban ride is recommended for experienced cyclists.
Directions: From St. Louis take I-55 south and exit at Arsenal St. (#206C) and go left. At S. Broadway turn left and then left on lynch St. Parking lot will be on your left.
Fees: FREE
Bike Shop Sponsor: Trek Bicycle Store of St. Louis

Tuesday With a Twist Bicycle Rides

Start: North 14th Street Mall anchored by Crown Candy Kitchen, 1401 Saint Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
Link to Google Map

Routes: 7 miles, two rides will be interpretive tours of the Old North St. Louis Neighborhood and two rides will travel southeast into Illinois.

Terrain: Mostly flat except for the climb up the trestle

Features: Group-led interpretive tour with stops for historical and architectural interpretation

Fees: FREE

In Partnership with: Trailnet & Old North St. Louis Restoration Group

Petal Pedal
Trailnet
314/416-9930
www.trailnet.org

Registration: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Brought to you by: THF Realty
Start: Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Route: 5 miles
Features: Come join in the celebration of garden founder Henry Shaw’s birthday as we highlight his life and legacy. This bike ride will use portions of the Bike St. Louis route from the Garden to Tower Grove Park where you will explore the features and attractions of this National Historic Landmark. After the bike ride, admission to the Garden is FREE. Lots of children’s activities are planned in celebration of Henry Shaw’s birthday, so come smell the flowers and enjoy the party! Complete the route on your own. A docent from the Missouri Botanical Garden will provide a brief history of Henry Shaw’s gifts (the Garden and Tower Grove Park) to St. Louis at registration. SAG support for this ride ends at Noon.
Parking: East lot of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Additional parking is available in the lots on Shaw, park your vehicle here and ride your bike to the ride start.
Fees: FREE
In Partnership with: The Missouri Botanical Garden, REI and St. John’s Mercy Medical Center.

Hummingbird Festival
Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, IL 62037
618/786-2331

Our flighty friends seek out this environment during their annual migration. Come see these little “hummers” up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will be on hand to band birds during this FREE event. Hummingbird adoptions will also be available.

Slough Shuffle
Friday, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Missouri Department of Conservation
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
801 Strodtman Road
St. Louis, MO 63138
314/877-6014
www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/areas/bottom

A stroll through the slough on a summer evening will help you learn to identity plant, insect, bird or other living “mystery objects”. The pace will be easy but will go “off trail” so wear sturdy hiking shoes. Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 beginning July 17 to register for this group-led interpretive shuffle.

Night at the Museum
Friday - Saturday, 2:00 pm - 8:00 am
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Great Rivers Museum
#2 Lock and Dam Way
Alton, IL 62002
618/462-6979
www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers

Bring your Girl Scout Troop, earn patches and spend the night at the National Great Rivers Museum! Earn badges and explore the museum after-hours. There's also many chances to discover new things about the Mississippi River, Alton's rich heritage and the people that work or live near the river. Program includes dinner, movie, popcorn, and patch programs. Participants can pitch their tents on the back promenade and sleep out under the stars next to the river. $TBA. Mail Fee and Registration Form to Girl Scout Corporate Office: GSRBC, #4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.

Tuesday With a Twist Bicycle Rides

Start: North 14th Street Mall anchored by Crown Candy Kitchen, 1401 Saint Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
Link to Google Map

Routes: 7 miles, two rides will be interpretive tours of the Old North St. Louis Neighborhood and two rides will travel southeast into Illinois.

Terrain: Mostly flat except for the climb up the trestle

Features: Group-led interpretive tour with stops for historical and architectural interpretation

Fees: FREE

In Partnership with: Trailnet & Old North St. Louis Restoration Group

2009 "Route 66 Trail" Ride
Saturday to Thursday
St. Louis to Chicago

LIB members and others are invited to join the "2009 Route 66 Trail Ride", a loosely-organized, (generally) self-supported bicycle tour meant to publicize and promote development of Illinois’ Route 66 Trail bicycle
route from Chicago to St. Louis. The “Route 66
Trail User’s Guide” for the present, interim route is on LIB’s website.

The ride will be held from Saturday, August 29 through Thursday, September 3, 2009, starting at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge north of St. Louis and ending at the beginning of the old Route 66, near the Art Institute in Chicago. Ride organizers from LIB, the Route 66 Trail Executive Council, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will conduct media interviews and visit local officials in towns along the way, to raise public awareness and encourage route improvements including signage, paved shoulders, and offroad trails.

Further information, logistics, and registration are at www.bikelib.org/route66/2009ride. There is no cost to LIB members.

Awesome Autumn Adventure
Saturday, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Start: Fort Belle Fontaine County Park, 13002 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO 63138

Route: 3 miles

Features: Enjoy a leisurely group-led, interpretive hike to look for signs of the changing season including migrating birds, wildlife and autumnal flora. A naturalist from the Missouri Department of Conservation will lead a hike across the prairie and woodland to explore the site of the first American fort and Indian trading post west of the Mississippi River. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water and binoculars. This program is suitable for all ages.

Pre-registration: Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 beginning August 29 to register for the group-led interpretive hike.

Directions: From I-270 in MO take MO-367 North. Turn right onto New Jamestown Rd. Turn left onto Bellefontaine Rd and follow into park.
Link to Google Map

Fees: FREE

Presented by: The Great Rivers Greenway District
In Partnership with: Friends of Fort Belle Fontaine Park, Missouri Department of Conservation and St. Louis County Parks
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

A fun-filled September event hosted at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis. Designed for
children and families, ParkPalooza® offers something for everyone. Listen to historic New Orleans jazz, walk the entire Mississippi River Trail, enjoy art, exhibits, performances, and much more! This outdoor festival offers a broad variety of outdoor recreation experiences to enjoy!

Fort Belle Fontaine Walking Tours
Saturday – 10:00 am, 12:30 & 2:30 pm
4 Sunday – 12:30 & 3:00 pm

Start: Fort Belle Fontaine County Park
13002 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO 63138

Route: 2.5 miles

Features: Put on your hiking boots, or good walking shoes, for a walking tour through old Fort Belle Fontaine. Walk through history and the first permanent U.S. fort west of the Mississippi River. Learn about the fort commanders, its role in the War of 1812, its activities as an Indian Factory, how it moved and was re-built, closed as a military post and its new role during the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

Reservations: Call St. Louis County Parks at 314/544-6224 or e-mail mkollbaum@stlouisco.com

Directions: From I-270 in MO take MO-367 North. Turn right onto New Jamestown Rd. Turn left onto Bellefontaine Rd and follow into park.
Link to Google Map

Fees: $5 per person, children under 12 years free

In partnership with: St. Louis County Parks
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

Waves of Grass Prairie Hike
Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Start: Prairie at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 W. Florissant, St. Louis, MO 63115

Route: 1-mile woodchip trail

Features: Learn about native plants and wildlife on an interpretive walk through the Calvary Cemetery Prairie. Hands-on explorations will teach participants how to sleuth for signs of animal activity. We'll also practice ecological restoration techniques, including how to collect and prepare native seeds. This is an intergenerational program designed for youth and adults alike.

Pre-registration: RSVP at 314/725-8314 or events@thegreencenter.org

Directions: From I-70, take W. Florissant Exit, 245B. Cemetery entrance is 1-mile at the intersection of Calvary Ave. Prairie is in the north corner. Maps available at the Admin Building, Main Entrance.
Link to Google Map

Fees: FREE

In partnership with: The Green Center
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

Volunteer Leadership Training Clinic: Prairie Restoration
Saturday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Green Center
8025 Blackberry Avenue
University City, MO 63130

The Green Center is offering a prairie ecology workshop concerning invasive species management as a prairie restoration technique. The workshop will also covertopics such as prairie re-vegetation, invasive species identification, seed collection, and prairie history andwildlife.

If you would like more information about the workshop or would like to sign-up, please contact events@thegreencenter.org or call 314-725-8314. Fee: Free to series participants. $10 for one-time attendees.

Ride the Rivers Century Bicycle Ride
Sunday

Registration: 6:30 – 7:30 AM

Start: Ameristar Casino, One Ameristar Place Blvd, St. Charles, MO 63301

Route: 100 miles

Terrain: Flat to rolling hills with some big hills

Features: Pre-registration is recommended for this Century Ride that includes some of the areas “greatest hits” – our majestic Great Rivers, two major universities, three parks, two ferry crossings, historic Route 66, five trails and the Gateway Arch. Return to Trailhead Brewery for brews and food.

Directions: Take I-70 West towards St. Charles and exit at 5th St. Go north on 5th to Boonslick Rd and go right. Follow to Main St and take a right. Take a left on James Mackay and go to the right to enter the Casino parking lot.
Link to Google Map

Fees: $35 pre-registration at www.trailnet.org/century.php by October 1st. $50 registration the day of the ride.

In partnership with: The Great Rivers Greenway District KWMU, Pfoodman, Trailhead Brewing Co. and Trailnet
Bike Shop Sponsor: Big Shark Bicycle Co. - Stop in for a limited supply of $5 off coupons.

Military Timeline March
Saturday, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Sunday, 4:15 – 5:15 pm

Start: Fort Belle Fontaine County Park, 13002 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO 63138
Meet at the Grand Staircase

Route: 3 miles

Features: Celebrate the season with a hayride journey through Fort Belle Fontaine along the Missouri River and be entertained by re-enactors from the French and Indian War through World War II. Each group will briefly explain his time period, uniform and equipment. After the hayride take a walk to the camps to talk with the re-enactors. A bonfire will follow with hot chocolate.

Pre-registration: call 314/615-8840

Directions: From I-270 in MO take MO-367 North. Turn right onto New Jamestown Rd. Turn left onto Bellefontaine Rd and follow into park.
Link to Google Map

Fees: $8 per person for 13 years and older, $4 per child

Please bring a blanket, camera and dress for the weather.

In partnership with: Friends of Fort Belle Fontaine Park and St. Louis County Parks
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

Winter Adventure Hike
Saturday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Start: Dresser Island Conservation Area, West Alton, MO 63386

Features: With the chill of winter in the air join us for a hike at Dresser Island to take in the sights and sounds of early winter. We may get lucky and spot some early arrivals of the bald eagle migration!

Pre-registration: Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 beginning December 2 to register for this group-led interpretive hike.

Directions: From I-270 in north St. Louis County go about 6 miles north on US-367 to MO-94 near West Alton. Go west on MO-94 through West Alton; continue west to the conservation sign to Dresser Island. Turn right and park in the parking area near the causeway.

Fees: FREE

In partnership with: the Missouri Department of Conservation
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

New Year’s Eve Night Hike
Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Start: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, 801 Strodtman Road, St. Louis, MO 63138

Route: 1.5 miles

Features: End the year on a calm, quiet stroll in the crisp, clean air along the wooded path at Columbia Bottom. The group will linger at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers as they are illuminated by a full blue moon. Meet at the Slough Exploration Station for the group-led hike.

Pre-registration: Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 beginning December 17 to register for this group-led interpretive hike.

Directions: From I-270 take Riverview Dr (exit #34) north 3 miles. The conservation area will be on the right. (Riverview Drive becomes Columbia Bottom Road at its junction with Larimore Road.)
Link to Google Map

Fees: FREE

In partnership with: the Missouri Department of Conservation
Check the Trailnet website for more walking events offered in partnership with Go! St. Louis

Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West
Daily
National Park Service
Museum of Westward Expansion at the Gateway Arch
11 North 4th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
314/655-1700
www.nps.gov/jeff

This National Geographic film, in the Imax format, will be shown continuously in the World Odyssey Theatre beneath the Gateway Arch at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The film will be shown daily, once each hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the final showing at 4:30 p.m. Prices are $7 for adults (which includes the $3 National Park entrance fee), $4 for those 13 – 15 years of age, and $2.50 for youngsters 3 -12.

30/30 Hiking Program
St. Louis County Parks
314/615-8822
www.stlouisco.com/parks

Enjoy 30 County Park trails that take about 30 minutes to walk. This program encourages individuals, families, scouts, and other groups to get 30 minutes of daily exercise that are critical for good health. Get the master map and 30 individual maps online. A map packet for $10 is also available. Turn in your punched card after visiting all 30 sites and receive a 30/30 Hikes patch.

Locks and Dam Tours
Daily
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Great Rivers Museum
#2 Lock and Dam Way
Alton, IL 62002
618/462-6979
www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers

Tours offered daily at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

These seventy-five, large-format, black and white photographs are a special tribute to the Mississippi River. Mr. Guider traveled the mighty river alone in his canoe, from the headwaters to the delta. His platinum prints unveil the lives and landscapes he encountered on both the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers. In over two thousand photographs and a journal, he chronicled the importance of rivers as both vital trade routes and cultural byways.

The exhibit highlights the present condition of the Mississippi, the river that made St. Louis a hub of transportation, commerce and westward expansion. The evocative photographs extend the story forward in time to the present day and reveal the people who still work and live on and alongside the mighty river. The accompanying book includes additional photographs and journal entries.

The River Inside is free of charge and is sponsored by AEP River Operations, organized by the Tennessee State Museum and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and was made possible by the Ingram Barge Company.

2nd Saturday – Late Night Fishing
Saturdays, 6:00 – 11:00 pm
St. Louis County Parks
12636 Spanish Pond Road
St. Louis, MO 63138
314/615-4386
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/spanish.html

Every second Saturday of the month, April – October, Spanish Lake Park stays open for late night fishing. Bring your poles, bait and lanterns and fish until the wee hours. Fishing is permitted from the bank only. FREE

Segways Tours at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Starting on April 26 and continuing every other Sunday through October 25, the Saint Louis Science Center will offer “Meet Me on Route 66 Glided Tours.” Meet on the Illinois side of the river and ride the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi. Follow the bike trail down the Missouri side of the river learning history of the famous Route 66. Brief training is included.

• Dates: April 26, May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug 16, Aug 30, Sept 13, Sept 27, Oct 11 and Oct 25
• Time: 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM
• Maximum attendance: 8
• Minimum age: 16 years & older
• Weight Limit: Min 100 lbs /Max 260 lbs
• Location: 4200 W Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, IL 62040
• Cost: $80 ticket
• Charter: $85 per person for groups of 4 or more
  Registration is required, call Trish at the Science Center at 314/289-1418 or 800/456-7572 x 1418.

Learn more on the Saint Louis Science Center website

Tuesday Night Riverfront Trail Rides

Start: The Parking Garage at Lucas and Leonor K Sullivan, north of Washington Ave. Secure parking for $1, get coupon from the SAG van.
Link to Google Map

Routes: Choice of 7 - 28 miles

Terrain: Flat, with a few small hills

Features: Scenic ride along the St. Louis Riverfront Trail. The route follows the Mississippi River; the longer route crosses the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and returns back. SAG support provided until 8:15 PM.

Fees: FREE

In Partnership with: Trailnet
Bike Rental Shop Sponsor: Gateway Arch Riverfront Bike Rentals

Nature in Form – New Photographs by Benjamin Guffee
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Green Center
8025 Blackberry Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63130
www.thegreencenter.org
314/725-8314

Artist Statement: There is so much beauty in nature - whether it is a tree you pass by each day, waves breaking on rocks, or looking up through the boughs of a mighty pine. This collection of paintings, representing over a year's work, is about that simple, natural beauty.                                                         

By painting easily overlooked scenes, I highlight the value of every part of the natural world around us. Through nature we are taught - our sense of beauty is defined, and we are reminded of the values of peace and balance.

See more of Ben's work at BrightSpotArt.com 

Geocaching Workshop
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Riverlands Environmental Learning Facility
301 Riverlands Way
West Alton, IL 63386
636/899-2600
www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers

Park Rangers from the National Great Rivers Museum will provide instruction and GPS equipment to demonstrate how to find hidden caches. The workshop is outdoors, dress for the weather. Limited to 10 participants per workshop. To pre-register, call 618/462-6979.