JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 20, 2026 – St. Louis area state parks and historic sites plan fun events for the entire family.
• Wednesday, April 22, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. – Earth Day Community Event at Mastodon State Historic Site.
Celebrate Earth Day with an afternoon of hands-on activities, learning and community connection at Mastodon State Historic Site. This free community event brings together Missouri State Parks, local organizations and public service partners to help visitors understand how small actions can make a big difference for our environment.
Guests will have the opportunity to responsibly recycle a variety of items, including electronics, paint, cardboard, medical equipment and more, thanks to our partnering organizations. In addition to recycling stations, there will also be interactive booths focused on environmental stewardship, conservation and sustainability in our local community.
Learn how keeping the Rock Creek Watershed clean helps protect local ecosystems, discover the wildlife that calls Jefferson County home, and connect with Missouri State Parks team members. Representatives from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will also be on-site to engage with the public and share information.
Whether you’re dropping off recyclables, learning something new, or spending time outdoors with family and friends, this Earth Day event is a great way to celebrate, protect and appreciate our shared environment.
The event will take place at the historic site’s picnic area at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial.
• Thursdays, April 23, at 10 a.m. – Toddler Thursdays: Rain at Mastodon State Historic Site.
Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site. The Toddler Thursday programs are designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. Each session focuses on a different topic and includes a story and craft. There is no need to register; just show up and enjoy. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.
• Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Earth Day Volunteer Event at Washington State Park.
Washington State Park will host a trash pick up event, with everyone encouraged to come clean up the park. Volunteers should meet at the Thunderbird Lodge at 10 a.m. before heading out to the trails and day-use areas. Volunteers are invited to stay for an hour or the whole time. Those who plan on staying through lunch should bring their own. Snacks and water will be provided. Washington State Park is located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto.
The primary source of funding for the state park system, is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding for Missouri's Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit https://mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri’s Division of State Parks is part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
