There are two opportunities this weekend to explore the beauty of Sodalis Nature Preserve, a night hike on the paved trail and a daytime hike on rugged trails.
- Night Hike at Sodalis Nature Preserve is 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 11, participants should meet at the shelter. The full program is about 2 hours and covers a 2-mile paved loop with a steep incline. Participants have the option to return sooner as desired. The more than 222,000 Indiana bats that use the Lime Kiln Mine at Sodalis Nature Preserve to hibernate over the winter migrate to their summer forest roosts in the spring. When exactly do they do that? 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. If it’s a warm night, we might see some bats flying out from one of the mine openings. Remember, while there’s a lot of bats in the mine, they don’t all come out at once and there’s 34 gated openings so it’s possible to see about 30-100 bats.
- Trail Hike at Sodalis Nature Preserve is 2-4 p.m. Sunday April 13, participants should meet at the shelter. Come explore the forested trails at Sodalis with some of the individuals who have spent the last 8-9 years establishing and maintaining the unpaved trails throughout the 200 acres of woodlands, ridges, and hills at the Sodalis Nature Preserve. From the Purple Ribbon Trail to Evan’s Trail to Hannah’s Epic Trail, each trail has a story that prompted its creation. Dress for the weather and possible tick exposure. Some trails are rugged so walking poles and sturdy shoes are recommended along with water bottle. Distance covered could be up to 4 miles but there are opportunities to return earlier on your own.
Due to the generous donation of Hannibal BASF, nature programs will continue to be free of charge.
These programs are led by Hannibal Parks & Recreation’s Nature Interpreter Gale Rublee and members of the Mississippi Hills Missouri Master Naturalist chapter. Register at www.hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program
