History and Future of Parkville Nature Sanctuary
A Rich History
In 1989 the developers of the Riss Lake project donated 49 acres of land at the base of the dam to the City of Parkville and $25,000 seed money to develop it as a nature Sanctuary. In 1992 Jim Reed was asked to form a Parkville Nature Sanctuary Committee (PNS) to develop and manage the property. With help from a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) naturalist, trails were laid out to make the area accessible with minimal impact on the land and wildlife habitat.
Through the help of many volunteers, Scout troops, service groups and Sanctuary committee, the trails became a reality. Bridges were built across White Alloe Creek, boardwalks constructed over swampy areas, and erosion control devices incorporated in the trails to minimize damage from human activities. The "Bluebird Trail" was cleared according to ADA standards to facilitate access for those with moderate restrictions on their mobility.
During 1997 the MDC purchased 68 acres adjacent to PNS and designated it as the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. This added a beautiful forested area and more than doubled the area managed by the PNS Committee. The trail system was expanded with the addition of what has come to be called the "Whitetail Trail" to incorporate this new area. Many Eagle Scout projects have enhanced the accessibility of the Whitetail Trail with trail improvements such as graveled paths, wood steps and switchbacks.
During this time, Jim Reed became the first Director of the PNS. He regularly conducts highly successful nature walks or arranges for other naturalists to lead hikes. A summer day camp for children ages 8-10 has now grown to two sessions in order to accommodate all the children wanting to experience the PNS forest. The PNS Committee formed a Missouri Stream Team and for seven years has conducted quarterly water quality tests that always confirm the high purity of the White Alloe Creek.
The old Girl Scout Cabin location was preserved and restored as a gathering area and in 1999 was fitted with an award-winning shelter roof designed by Kelly Batcheller. Still boasting its original brick fireplace, it has become a favorite location for many gatherings including the enormously popular Halloween "Family Ghost Story Night" as well as many other events and fundraisers for the Sanctuary.
The Future
We are now entering a new facet of our Sanctuary program. The Sanctuary is the ideal location for a nature center in Platte County with a classroom, educational nature exhibits and meeting space. The PNS Committee is pursuing the possibility of adding an all season building to house a classroom, bird viewing area, display area, office for the director and other amenities that will enhance the experience in the Sanctuary.
There is an ideal location adjacent to the lower City Hall parking lot. This corner of the Sanctuary once had a house on it, so would not require tree removal or grading and it is close to utility services.
The PNS Committee would like to have Kelly Batcheller design an environmentally friendly, energy efficient building. The design process will require meetings of individuals to help plan for the design, funding, use, maintenance and staffing of the facility to guarantee its long-term success.
Volunteers have been key to all the successes in the PNS, and volunteers will be the key to the success of this ambitious project. Anyone who is interested in helping and would like to be included in the planning and implementation of this project should contact Jack Friedman at 816-741-2761.
