MARC News

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 2

May 10, 2007

Now in its 15th year, National Trails Day encourages people to discover, learn and exercise in nearby parks and natural sites. These communities throughout the MARC region will host events for National Trails Day on June 2, 2007.

National Trails Day Events 2007

• Blue Springs, Mo.
  Location: Rotary Park at Railroad Lake (600 NW Vesper)
  Date/Time: Friday, June 1, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Contact: Marty Bears, 816/228-0181
  Description: A mid-morning walk around Rotary Park Lake will take place at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and an opportunity to visit with representatives of Kansas City area trails. Pre-registration required for lunch.
• Clay County, Mo.
  Location: Smokn’ Davey Trailhead (Two miles east of 169 Highway on W Highway, over the W Highway Bridge at Smithville Lake)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: 816/407-3400
  Description: Naturalists will guide groups on the newly constructed 5-mile Smokn’ Davey Trail, a part of the 23-mile trail system along the shoreline of Smithville Lake. Refreshments will be provided.
• Gladstone, Mo.
  Location: Maple Woods Nature Preserve (2701 NE 76th Street)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
  Contact: Tina Spallo, 816/436-2200
  Description: Self-guided tour through Maple Woods Nature Preserve (76th Street and N. Chestnut). This forest is the largest virgin stand of Sugar Maples west of the Mississippi.
• Independence, Mo.
  Location: George Owens Nature Park (1601 S. Speck)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
  Contact: Call 816-325-6254 for more information
  Description: Do you know a Nuthatch from a Chickadee? Join in the “Birding Blitz” by learning about the natural beauty of our feathered friends while celebrating National Trails Day. This hike will cover birdwatching topics including proper behavior, ethics, identification and bird calls. Please bring binoculars and wear a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.
• Jackson County, Mo.
  Location: Kemper Outdoor Education Center at Lake Jacomo in Fleming Park (8201 Jasper Bell Road, Blue Springs, Mo.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: Susan Walsh, 816/229-8980 ext. 24
  Description: Take a guided hike on the Habitat Trail (about 1/2 mile) to see wetlands, tall-grass prairie, cactus glade and woodland ecosystems. The event includes nature programs, outdoor club booths and demos, prizes and more.
• Johnson County, Kan. and Merriam, Kan.
  Location: Turkey Creek Streamway, Werner Park (5740 Merriam Drive)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
  Contact: Susan Hayden, 913/322-5556
  Description: Johnson County and the City of Merriam are co-sponsoring the dedication of the Turkey Creek Streamway trail extension on Saturday, June 2. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Werner Park. After the dedication, bicycle riders will head south on the trail for a family bike ride (approx. 2.75 miles to 75th St. or 1.5 miles to Chatlain Park. Ride is 3 to 6 miles round trip). Walkers will head north on the new trail extension (approx. 0.75 mile, 1.5 miles round trip). Free commemorative water bottles will be given to the first 200 participants. Donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital will be accepted. Attendees can shop the Merriam Farmers’ Market at the Marketplace for fresh produce and enjoy
  free entertainment.
• Kansas City, Mo.
  Location: Indian Creek Trail (99th & Holmes)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.
  Contact: Marci Jones, 816/513-7530
  Description: Groups will walk the Indian Creek Trail 1.5 miles to State Line for refreshments at Watts Mill. Participants can walk or take a shuttle back to their starting points. Local fitness and health vendors will be on site for demonstrations and giveaways. This event is free to the public.
  Kansas City, Mo.
  
  Location: Theis Park, Wheeler Amphitheatre (Oak Street and 47th Street)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  Contact: Call 816-523-2991 for more information.
  Web Site: www.bccp.org
  Description: “Follow the Flags” to visit Kansas City’s finest cultural destinations: the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, the Kansas City Art Institute, the H & R Block ArtSpace, the Kansas City Plaza Branch Library, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Kansas City Sculpture Park, the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum. Special activities and attractions will be offered at most of these locations. Enjoy free special entertainment and learn more about Kansas City’s Cultural Corridor in Theis Mall along Brush Creek at the Wheeler Amphitheatre east of Oak Street. Food vendors will also be on site. This event is sponsored by Brush Creek Community Partners and several of its members, and by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. 
• Kearney, Mo.
  Location: Jesse James Park (North Highway 33 in Kearney, Mo.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: Eric Marshall, 816/903-4724 
  Description: Walkers and bikers will be able to enjoy Kearney’s newest trail. Located on the scenic Jesse James Festival Grounds, the trail is approximately 1.7 miles long. Refreshments will be provided.
• Leawood, Kan.
  Location: Indian Creek Trail (Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., shelters C and D)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.
  Contact: Lindsay Youle, 913/339-6700 ext. 158
  Description: Groups will walk the Indian Creek Trail 1.5 miles to State Line for refreshments at Watts Mill. Participants can walk or take a shuttle back to their starting points. Local fitness and health vendors will be on site for demonstrations and giveaways. This event is free to the public.
• Lee’s Summit, Mo.
  Location: Legacy Park Walking/Biking Trail (North Shelter Area, Blackwell Parkway and Coneflower Road)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: Cheryl Martin, 816/969-1556
  Description: Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the new Legacy Park walking/hiking trail. The hike will begin at the north shelter area off of Coneflower Drive and Blackwell Parkway. Light refreshments will be available. The new trail is 4.5 miles in length, and is a circular trail that runs through Legacy Park. Water is available at the trailhead but not along the trail; attendees are advised to bring a water bottle.
• Olathe, Kan.
  Location: Stagecoach Park (1205 N. Kansas City Road, Olathe, Ks.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
  Contact: Brad Clay, 913/971-6618
  Description: This year’s theme is “Weaving through the Diversity of our Community.” Walk along the trail at Stagecoach Park and then join in the second annual Americana Jubilee right across the street at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. This event, which coincides with Olathe’s Sesquicentennial festivities, will acknowledge and celebrate the diverse multicultural heritage of Olathe through entertainment, food and activities.
• Platte County, Mo. and Riverside, Mo.
  Location: E.H. Young Riverfront Park (1001 NW Argosy Parkway, Riverside, Mo.)
  Date/Time: Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.–noon
  Contact: Brian Nowotny, 816/858-3419
  Description: Celebrate National Trails Day at E.H. Young Riverfront Park, located along the future Missouri Riverfront Trail. Local officials will lead a trail walk, and various community groups will have displays promoting the importance of trails for health and wellness and natural resource preservation. Free goodie backpacks will be given to the first 100 participants.   

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