DANVILLE - Bark has different textures, colors and smells for a reason.
Join naturalist Lorie Volenberg at Graham Cave State Park from 1-2 p.m. April 27 to learn why. Volenberg will lead a 20-minute program followed by a guided hike where she will talk about how these differences may have evolved and the resulting niches they created. Attendees will quickly discover there is more to bark than meets the eye - bark plays a bigger role than just protecting a tree.
On the hike, participants will have a chance to observe the little worlds created within bark. Using a hand lens will allow hikers to get up close and personal to see what types of insects, moss, lichens and fungi live on different tree barks.
Meet at the picnic tables by the Graham Cave trail head in the lower parking lot for the program. The hike will be on the Fern Ridge Trail, which is 0.3 miles long and rated moderately difficult. The park will provide hand lenses (or participants may bring your own). We encourage hikers to dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes and bring a bottle of water. Insect repellent is strongly recommended.
Graham Cave State Park is located off I-70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Route TT, two miles west of Highway 161 at the 170 Exit, in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476.
For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.