Rock Bridge Memorial State Park invites the public to a water festival event at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 18, at the park’s Gilbert Picnic Shelter.
A news release says several organizations will have displays and activities available for children and families to learn about and enjoy streams and water. Activities for participants will include catching and learning about aquatic animals in the stream (nets and assistance provided); viewing a box turtle; and learning about what strange things pollute local rivers.
This free event is recommended for ages 4 years and up. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Guided hikes will take place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants can reserve a spot on the hike by calling (573) 449-7402 in advance. The two hikes will feature Virginia Trauth, who will speak about her ongoing erosion prevention research, and Lynne Hooper, Boone County’s urban hydrologist, who will speak about water quality research findings for local streams. Hikes will each be one mile long on park trails and will include a visit to Little Bonne Femme Creek.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located at 5901 South Highway 163 in Columbia.
For more information about the event, call (573) 449-7402.