The first night hike of the season will be Friday.
Called “Bats in Springtime,” the Night Hike through Sodalis Nature Preserve will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 21.
Gale Rublee, HPR nature educator, will lead the program with the help of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists. She said participants should meet at the shelter near the Sodalis parking lot. She said the program will focus on the bats starting to migrate from the mines at Sodalis. “When exactly do the bats start leaving the Lime Kiln Mine at Sodalis Nature Preserve and where do they go? It depends on several factors from outside air temperature, food supply and the stirring in their little bodies that Spring is arriving and it’s time to find their summer forest homes.”
She said if the weather cooperates, there may be bats emerging from the mine openings to forage for insects or start migrations. The full program is about two hours and covers a 2-mile paved loop with a steep incline. Participants have the option to return sooner as desired.
Nature programs are sponsored by Hannibal BASF and are free to the public but participation is limited. Register for space at www.hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program