Hannibal Parks & Recreation will be offering a trail hike to allow for exploration of unpaved and rustic trails at Sodalis Nature Preserve at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 26.

Participants should meet at the Sodalis Nature Preserve parking lot. There is a strict limit of 10 participants to allow for physical distancing and reservations must be made by calling Hannibal Parks & Recreation at 221-0154 or by emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.

The hike will cover about 2-3 miles over moderately rugged terrain and will take about two hours. Participants are encouraged to bring water, wear sturdy shoes and use spray to repel ticks and chiggers.

There has been a joint effort between volunteers and Hannibal Parks & Recreation staff this summer to expand the trail system at Sodalis Nature Preserve. Volunteers have been helping the Hannibal Parks & Recreation maintenance crew design and construct the trails. The Pirate Ridge Trail was the first trail developed, others trails under development include Purple Ribbon Trail, Evan’s Trail and Robinson Trail.

The trail hike will be 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.