JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 13, 2019 – Have you ever wondered why bark has different textures, colors and smells? Join naturalist Lorie Volenberg from 1 to 2 p.m., April 27, for a 20 minute program followed by a guided hike where she will talk about how these differences may have evolved and the resulting niches they created. You will quickly discover there is more to bark than meets the eye! Bark plays a bigger role than just protecting a tree! On the hike you will have a chance to observe the little worlds created within bark. Using a hand lens will allow you to get up close and personal to see what types of insects, moss, lichens and fungi live on different tree barks.
Meet at the picnic tables by the Graham Cave trail head in the lower parking lot for the program. The hike will be on the Fern Ridge Trail, which is 0.3 miles long and rated moderately difficult. We will provide hand lenses (or you may bring your own). We encourage you to dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Insect repellent is strongly recommended.
Graham Cave State Park is located off I-70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Highway TT, two miles west of Highway 161 at the 170 Exit, in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476.
For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at https://mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.