The Hannibal Parks & Recreation Department is offering free Night Hikes through Sodalis Nature Preserve on the second and fourth Fridays in July, but reservations are required to participate.
The Mysterious Moths Night Hikes through Sodalis Nature Preserve will be:
Gale Rublee, nature educator, said, moths are prevalent at this time of year and often found at Sodalis, which is appropriate since bats prey on moths.
Night Hikes are scheduled on the second and fourth Fridays of the month (weather permitting) about a half hour before sunset. The full program lasts about two hours and follows a 2-mile paved trail. Participants are welcome to stay with the group or return to the parking lot on their own. Activities include seasonal observations, sensory activities and the telling of the creation of Sodalis Nature Preserve.
There will be a strict limit of 20 participants and reservations must be made by calling Hannibal Parks & Recreation at 221-0154 or by emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.
Nature programs and hikes are led by Gale Rublee, a nationally certified interpreter guide with more than 25 years of experience in outdoor education. Rublee is a founding member of the Hannibal area Mississippi Hills chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists and Master Naturalist volunteers often assist with HPR programs. Recently, Hannibal Parks & Recreation produced online “Nature Moments with Gale” to encourage Hannibal residents to get outside for a dose of Vitamin “N” for Nature. These videos are available on the Hannibal Parks & Recreation Facebook page or at www.hannibalparks.org.
