February Member of the Month
Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center
Serving Nature and You
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you," said Frank Lloyd Wright. And thanks to the visionary Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) seizing the opportunity to purchase and develop the magnificent 112 acre Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, you have the opportunity to enjoy and study nature up close, personal and free of charge.
This wildly popular, family-oriented nature center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, accessible from S Geyer Road, not far from the intersection of Interstates 270 and 44. Since its opening in 1991, Powder Valley has welcomed more than two million visitors.
"Hiking is extremely popular at the center," reports Dan Zarlenga, MDC St Louis Regional Media Specialist. "Outdoor and indoor activities are available including three paved trails, one of which features signage interpreting the natural aspects of the area. The 0.3 mile Tanglevine Trail is flat and fully accessible and has a path to a wildlife viewing blind. The 1.2 mile Hickory Ridge Trail begins with a foot bridge high above the road leading into the area and features a wildlife observation deck and a short loop for less ambitious hikers. The 0.7 mile Broken Ridge Trail goes up and down hills as it travels through Powder Valley's oak and hickory forest. Each trail starts at the nature center parking lot."
Powder Valley's mission is to help people connect with nature, and therefore closed to pets, collecting, fishing, hunting, trapping and alcoholic beverages. Bicycling, jogging, in-line skating, skiing and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails for the safety of all visitors.
The outstanding indoor interpretive center is sure to please visitors of every age. It has two levels of exhibits related to backyard wildlife and conservation practices in urban areas.
"The interpretive center includes a wildlife viewing area for observing songbirds, wild turkeys and small mammals. Two newer features have been added, a water feature simulating an Ozark stream, and a wildlife viewing blind. We also have a 3,000 gallon freshwater aquarium filled with native Missouri fish," explains Tamie Yegge, Nature Center Manager. Visitors can pick up an interpretive brochure and follow the "Hidden Stories, Tracks in the Mud" exhibit, which consists of various animal tracks, recreated, as they would appear in the wild. Children can also complete an activity book and earn a prize.
"The live amphibians and reptiles and real live bees in a hive are a big hit with children as is the life size tree house. There is a ‘Kids Corner' where children can have their own puppet shows, touch furs and other natural objects, watch fish and turtles, and look through the eye of a dragonfly. There is a ‘Reading Room' full of books about Missouri's natural resources. Of particular interest is a replica of a world-record ‘non-typical white tailed deer."
The Nature Shop sells Conservation Department produced publications, and educational nature related gift items as well as hunting and fishing licenses.
About 50 dedicated volunteers assist the professional staff. "Our volunteers have an enormously important role at the Nature Center," reports Catherine McGrane, Assistant Nature Center Manager. "During 2011, they donated more than 8,300 hours - that's equal to four full-time-employees, which is extremely helpful to maintaining our budget. We are currently seeking additional volunteers and hope anyone with an interest in nature along with the time and willingness to help, will contact us.
"We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Interested individuals are invited to email me at Caherine.McGrane@mdc.mo.gov or call me at 301.1506, extension 2229."
For those with a passion for conservation and a desire to protect our state's beauty and viability for future generations, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation has been established. Separate from MDC but supporting its mission, this 501 ( c ) 3 is governed by a volunteer board comprised of conservation, community and business leaders. By working with the MDC staff and partnering with conservation groups statewide, the Foundation funds projects that address conservation and outdoor recreation needs. To learn more, go online to www.mochf.org.
Powder Valley trails are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 pm during daylight saving time and 8 a.m. to 6 pm the rest of the year. The building is open 8 a.m. to 5 pm and closed on Sunday and Monday. The building and trails are closed on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Dan, Tamie and Catherine invite all Chamber members and their families to visit the Nature Center soon. Reconnecting with nature can be a great way to reinvigorate and assist you in gaining a new perspective - just what a businessperson can use to wrap up a mega-busy, pressure-packed day.
As Mr Wright observed, "It will never fail you."
