Check the Schedule of Events page regularly for details.

Several times over the growing season , Sanctuary Director Jim Reed

leads special interpretive hikes with the theme of discovering our variety of wildflowers; some obvious and some easy-to-overlook

without a knowledgeable guide. 

 Guest hike leaders from Missouri Department of Conservation often

bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the hikes. 

Participants may want to bring their cameras to capture the beauty

of these delicate and fleeting treasures. 

Family Ghost Story Night

The Saturday evening before Halloween is the time for Fall fun as

spooky storytellers in costume regale young and old with

scary tales suited to every age. 

Start the evening at 6:00 with some chili and a hot dog,  Then, as darkness falls, hike the "Haunted Trail," ( or the milder "Pumpkin Trail" for the youngsters, ) to the Jeannette Robbins "Girl Scout cabin" for some scary stories and a spine-tingling good time.  Milder stories especially for the younger children start around 6:30, and progress to spookier fare over the course of the evening. 

Adults $5, Children under 12 $3.  Reservations requested.  741-7676

In early December, Santa takes a break from his holiday preparations to lead children of all ages on a hike through the sanctuary 

Not forgetting to leave gifts for his wild friends, Santa helps participants prepare edible treats for the birds and mammals to be placed with care along the trails 

     Each year, shortly after school lets out for Summer vacation, Parkville Nature Sanctuary hosts Nature Day Camp for children ages 8 through 10.  Each session consists of three days, W - T - F, which are filled with fun and educational activities.  The children learn trail safety, wild animal habitat, how to identify trees, how to test stream water quality, and a multitude of other interesting things about nature. 

     Some popular activities are making leaf-print t-shirts using leaves gathered on the trails, making bird houses or feeders from kits, and dissecting "owl pellets" to learn what owls eat and how their digestive process works.  Other favorites are the Friday hot dog burn for lunch and wading in the creek to collect invertebrate specimens for identification.

     Each year, programs are also provided by guest presenters.  Popular programs have been  provided by representatives from Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs, MO. ,   Lakeside Nature Center, Kansas City MO. , as well as other local groups and individuals.  Topics have included a variety of Native Wild Animals, Bats, and Honey Bees.   

     Campers bring sack lunches on Wednesday and Thursday, but the hot dog lunch on Friday is on us.  Insect repellent, drinking water, etc. are provided, however campers may bring their own if desired.  In case of bad weather, activities will go on, either under the shelter or inside the City Hall Building or other available venues. 

     Digital photos are available of our Nature Day Camp activities and campers,  Send E-mail if you are interested. 

If you have questions, comments, or contributions, please Email: naturesanctuary@parkvillemo.com