JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 1, 2023 – Bennett Spring State Park is hosting a slew of events throughout the month of June that you won’t want to miss.
- 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 10 – Eagles of North America: Representatives from the Dickerson Park Zoo will be present with a live eagle in the nature center.
- 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15 – Missouri Mammals: Park team members will have pelts and skulls from Missouri mammals set out behind the nature center for visitors to observe at their own pace.
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 16 – Ecotherapy Stroll on Whistle Trail: Touch and Taste: Researchers have recommended spending five hours a month in nature to relax and reduce stress. Forest therapy, ecotherapy, forest bathing, grounding and “Earthing” are all other names used for this experience. The Touch and Taste event is one of many ecotherapy strolls set to take place this year. Visitors will be able to join the park team on the third Friday of every month from now to September to partake in one of these events.
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17 – Forest Walk: Join park representatives on a walk of Savanna Ridge Trail, located just past the spring head and cabins at Bennett Spring State Park. This 2.5-mile loop trail walk will take participants through an open woodland and along a ridge. This natural-surface trail is composed of dirt, mud, grave and loose rocks, and there may be occasional water on the trail. Participants should bring water and snacks and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
- 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, June 17 – Leave No Trace: A Littered Landscape: Do you know how long it takes a plastic bottle or soda can to decompose? The answers might surprise you. Join the park team in the nature center to learn how long litter can last and how it affects the environment.
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21-23 – Pollinator Week: Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small critters that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Bennett Spring State Park has over 112 species of bees. Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen to plants that bring us countless fruits, vegetables and nuts. Stop by the nature center to learn more about Missouri pollinators.
Each program and involves a 2-mile hike on Whistle Trail, traveling along the spring to the Niangua River and back to the trail access point. A portion of the trail traverses bluff tops and some climbing will be necessary. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, use insect repellent and bring water and a snack. Each program will begin at the nature center.
Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside Lebanon. For more information, call the nature center at 417-532-4338.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.