Owls can liven up a winter evening in the Hannibal area, and it’s the best time of year to hear and see them.

There will be an Owl Prowl at Sodalis Nature Preserve starting at 6 p.m. March 26. The walk will be on paved trail and participants will listen and search for owls along the Bear Creek Trail while learning more about their hunting, having babies and hooting habits.

Nature programs sponsored by the Hannibal Parks & Recreation Department are free but space is limited and reservations are required by calling Hannibal Parks & Recreation at 221-0154 or emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.

Nature programs and hikes are led by Gale Rublee, a nationally certified interpreter guide with more than 30 years of experience as a nature educator and storyteller. She is a founding member of the Mississippi Hills Missouri Master Naturalist Chapter in Hannibal. As a nationally certified interpreter guide, she loves interpreting natural and human history for Hannibal residents and visitors alike.