Sodalis Nature Preserve is the place to be as winter turns to spring. Hannibal Parks & Recreation has two free nature programs coming up that allows exploration of different parts of Sodalis Nature Preserve, Hannibal’s newest park property.

  • Pirate Ridge Trail Hike 1 p.m. March 22. The hike will begin at the parking lot but will primarily cover the un-paved portion of Sodalis Nature Preserve. Participants are encouraged to dress for warmth and rugged terrain, walking sticks are recommended.
  • Night Hike 7 p.m.  March 27. This hike will be on the paved portion of Sodalis. Participants will learn about the history of the lime kiln mines, the Sodalis success story and life cycle of the endangered Indiana bat. Participants can stay with the group for an hour then return to the parking lot on their own; or remain with the guide to continue around the 2-mile loop for the full 2-hour program.

All nature programs sponsored by Hannibal Parks & Recreation are free. Gale Rublee, interpreter guide for Hannibal Parks & Recreation, leads the programs.

Rublee is a certified Interpreter Guide and member of the National Association for Interpretation and Association of Missouri Interpreters. She has more than 25 years of experience as a nature educator. She is a founding member of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists chapter in Hannibal and is coordinator and teacher for the Bluff City Theater Youth Education in Theater Initiative.

Reservations for the nature programs are recommended by calling 573-221-0154 or emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.