Climb Into the Tree Canopy, Run an Amazing Race at Shaw Nature Preserve

The 2,400-acre Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO, has an extensive line-up of attractions and events in April and May for individuals or for the whole family to enjoy. The Reserve is located at the juncture of several major Midwestern habitats – from wetlands to prairie – resulting in a vast array of plant and animal life. The natural diversity provides an outdoor experience for students enjoying a array of classes, for casual observers visiting for an hour or for families attending the public events.

Advance registration is required for certain classes at the nature preserve and fees vary by program. Missouri Botanical Garden members receive a discount. To browse a complete list of Shaw Nature Reserve classes online and to register, visit www.mobot.org/classes. For more information, call (314) 577-5140 or (636) 451-3512.

Classes and events include:

Apr. 2: Little Acorns: How Does Your Garden Grow? It all began with a seed. How do seeds get transported to new locations? Do all seeds look alike? In this class, there will be a close-up look at seeds and what helps our gardens grow. Each child will receive a plant to take home. The class includes hands-on activities, a story, snack and a craft. Little Acorns classes are designed as a way to help prepare children for pre-school or kindergarten. For ages 3 to 5 with an adult. The clas is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Carriage House. The fee is $17 per child. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

Apr. 3: Wednesday Walkers. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday, Nature Preserve visitors can sign in at the Visitor Center, grab a map and gather meet the other Wednesday Walkers. Each walk averages 90 minutes to two hours, allowing time to stop, look, listen and converse. At the end of nine weeks, participants will have hiked most of the Shaw Nature Reserve’s trails. The walk is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The fee is $6. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Fees are paid on arrival at the Visitor Center. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes. Other walks scheduled on Apr. 10, 17, 24, 27, May 1, 8, 15.

Apr. 4: Bluebells Abound! A sea of Virginia bluebells blooms each spring in the Reserve’s Meramec River bottomland. They are off the beaten path, but guides and transportation on the reserve's Wilderness Wagon are provided. Participants still will need to walk a quarter mile to one mile, depending on the road conditions. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The tour is from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee is $10. Advance registration is required. For info: www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

Apr. 6: Wildflower Identification and Ecology. This wildflower course, from 9 a.m. to noon, course will focus on identification, relationships and habitats of wildflowers and native grasses of the season. Beginners as well as serious students of wildflowers will gain knowledge and appreciation of the floral diversity of the Nature Reserve’s woods, prairie and wetland areas. Moderate hiking is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook. The fee is $20. Advance registration required: www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140. There also is a class scheduled for Apr. 27 and May 25.

Apr. 9: Spring Wildflower Walk. Join these informal, educational walks through the colorful spring season. The Nature Reserve’s trail system, winding through upland and bottomland forest, is an ideal place to enjoy fleeting spring wildflowers and other natural wonders. The walk is from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The fee is $8. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome; pay on arrival at the Visitor Center. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes. Another walk scheduled Apr. 16 and 23 and May 7.

Apr. 11: Native Plant School: Practical Gardening with Native Plants: Tools, deer, hedges, mulches, vines, sun and shade gardens, invasive plants, pruning, wildlife and more are offered at Native Plant School, a year-round series of indoor/outdoor classes in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at the Shaw Nature Reserve that covers various aspects of native landscaping. Bring questions, comments, drawings and plant specimens. Participation from the audience is encouraged. Native Plant School at the Shaw Nature Reserve is underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. The class is from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Carriage House. The fee is $15. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

Apr. 12 and 13: Mother and Daughter Overnight: Letterboxing. Letterboxing combines hiking, treasure hunting and creative expression into a fun activity. Participants will seek hidden letterboxes at the Reserve, following clues and recording discoveries in a personal journal they make themselves. Mother and daughters over 7 years old. The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Dana Brown Overnight Center. $60. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.  

Apr. 13: Basket Making. Participants will create their own baskets by learning basic weaving techniques and using natural materials. They will choose between making a gathering, wine, berry or Cherokee heart basket prior to the start of the course. Some materials are provided; a supply list and photos will be sent to participants via e-mail or land mail. Participants should bring a sack lunch, wire cutters or heavy scissors, an awl, a dozen spring-type clothespins, a large towel, a flexible tape measure, pencil and a container for soaking reed.  The class is from 9 a.m. to to 3 p.m. at the Carriage House. The fee is $48. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

Apr. 17: Morning Bird Walk. This early morning walk during the height of spring migration season is designed to help participants see and learn about the many bird species at the Shaw Nature Reserve. Both beginning and intermediate birders are welcome. Participants should bring binoculars and be prepared to hike a few ,miles over uneven ground and also dressed for the weather.Bring binoculars, be prepared to hike a few miles over uneven ground and dress for the weather. Come to one or all of the walks; each will be different. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. $6. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome; pay on arrival. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes. Another walk is scheduled for Apr. 24 and May 1.

Apr. 20: Canopy Climb One: Learning the Ropes. Take your passion for nature to new heights and explore majestic trees like never before! A certified tree-climbing instructor will teach participants to ascend into a tree canopy. Once there, participants will also learn about forest biodiversity and conservation close to home and around the world.  For ages 8 and over.  9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bascom House. $43. Advance registration required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.  The event also will be held Apr. 21.

Apr. 20: Monthly Trail Fun Run. Sign in at the Shaw Nature Reserve’s Visitor Center and pick up your map for your run. The distance will vary from three to 10 miles. Set your own pace and allow for stops and time to look, listen and converse. The distances for each monthly run will be available the week prior on the Reserve’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shawnaturereserve. After several visits you will have run most of the trails. Run starts at 8 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. $6. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Pay on arrival at the Visitor Center. Another fun run is scheduled for May 18.

Apr. 21: Shaw Family Sundays: Frog Watch. Participants will take a close-up look at frogs and toads. We will learn about these fascinating amphibians and learn to identify them by their calls. Participants will also learn how to collect data for the citizen scientist project, Frog Watch. For families with children ages 8 and over. 1 to 3 p.m. Shaw Nature Reserve Visitor Center. Included with Reserve admission. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes. 

Apr. 21: Canopy Climb Two: Experiencing the Canopy. Designed for those who want to strengthen and diversify their climbing skills, this 3-hour experience has a maximum capacity of six climbers per session. In this in-depth course, climbers will learn to climb more efficiently using foot-locking as opposed to using a foot-loop. The instructor will demonstrate limb-walking, single line technique and in-canopy rope advancement. Participants must have completed Canopy Climb One. For ages 12 and over. The climb is from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. and starts at the Bascom House. The fee is $68. Advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or 314-577-5140.

Apr. 22: Tadpoles and Caterpillars: Forest Friends. Participant will explore the forest looking for signs of animals as they move through the forest and other signs of spring. The class is designed to give children an opportunity to learn about the natural world through natural experiences. For ages 3 to 5 with an adult. The class is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and will convene at the Visitor Center. The fee is $12 per child and advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.  

Apr. 24: Moonlight Wine and Cheese Night Hike. Participants will climb aboard the Wilderness Wagon for a short trip to the Maritz Trail House where the hike will start. Under the light of the moon, the hikers will take a leisurely one-and-a-half mile walk along woodland and prairie trails, learning about the nighttime environment along the way. During the walk will be a brief stop to enjoy a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage) and some crackers and cheese as the moon rises over the prairie. Participants should dress for the weather and wear appropriate hiking shoes. The hike is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will convene at the Visitor Center. The fee is $22. Advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.  

Apr. 25: Full Moon Friday Night Hike. On this two hour stroll through evening and into the early night, participants will learn about crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Hikers should be prepared to walk about two miles over uneven ground. The hike is designed for adults and families with children ages 8 and up. The hike is from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. and will convene at the Visitor Center. The fee is $6 per person. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.  

Apr. 27: Healing Grief in Nature. This one-day retreat explores the healing that comes from examining grief in natural settings such as the Shaw Nature Reserve. By exploring grief and nature, as well as the nature of grief, participants will learn concepts and techniques that help people to us to better cope and integrate grief experience into our daily lives. The goal is to promote healing and a greater sense of well-being. The retreat is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will convene at the Adlyne Freund Center. The fee is $60. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 2: Native Plant School: The Art and Function of Combining Native Plants. Native Plant School is a year-round series of indoor/outdoor classes in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at the Shaw Nature Reserve that covers various aspects of native landscaping. Participants are asked to bring questions, comments, drawings and plant specimens. Participation from the audience is encouraged. Native Plant School at the Shaw Nature Reserve is underwritten by Grow Native! and Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. 1 to 4 p.m. Carriage House. $15. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 4: Discover Nature Families: Missouri Mammals. A variety of pelts and other items will be used to teach participants folks about the lives and adaptations of the Show Me State’s furbearing animals in this class, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The cost of the class is included with admission to the Nature Preserve and will convene at the Nature Explore Classroom. Included with Reserve admission. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes.

May 4: Tea on the Terrace.  A selection of teas and delectable desserts will be served on the Carriage House Terrace, which overlooks the wildflower garden. Tea will be followed by a guided tour of the wildflower garden (weather permitting). Tables will be assigned, so participants are asked to designate who will be in their group. Singles will be seated with other singles. Dress is casual. The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and will convene at the Carriage House. The fee is $36. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 4: Shaw’s Amazing Race. Gather your team of up to five for a race which will have participants scurrying all over the grounds of the Reserve while competing to answer questions and complete tasks The all-day event (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will lead participants to see and learn new things about plants, animals, habitats and other well-kept secrets about the Reserve. Prizes will be awarded. The race is designed for ages 6 and over and will convene at the Visitor Center. The fee is $48 per person. Advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 7: Little Acorns: Baby Animals. Springtime is the season for baby animals. Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will learn about many different kinds of animals born this time of year. Class, from 10 a.m. to noon, includes hands-on activities, a story, snack and a craft. and will convene at the Carriage House. The fee is $17 per child. Advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 11: Shaw Wildflower Market. The annual sale offers a vast selection of native wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs. Hundreds of varieties of annual and perennial plants that are beneficial in attracting native species of birds and butterflies will be available for purchase. Select from the showiest and hardiest native plants for sun or shade, including pale purple coneflower, butterfly milkweed, rose turtlehead, dwarf crested iris, cardinal flower, compass plant, wild phlox, maidenhair fern, bottle-brush buckeye and fringe tree. The sale is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee. For more information, visit http://www.shawnature.org/nativeland/plantsale.aspx or call (636) 451-3512.

May 18 and 19: Seeing Nature through the Lens. Professional photographer Scott Avetta will lead an intermediate level weekend workshop that will include field sessions and classroom instruction/discussion.  The heart of the Shaw Nature Reserve will be explored as participants photograph the areas (wetlands, woodlands, glades and prairies) of greatest potential based on the subject and weather conditions. The importance of subject selection, composition and lighting will be discussed The class is from 7 to 11 a.m. both days and will convene at the Visitor Center. The fee is $100. Advance registration is required. www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 19: Shaw Family Sundays: Wet and Wild. Participants will take a hike to the pond and learn about the plants and animals that call it home. The event, from 1 to 3 p.m., is designed for families with children ages 8 and over. The fee is included with Reserve admission. For a complete list of adult classes at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s family of attractions, visit www.mobot.org/classes. 

May 20: Tadpoles and Caterpillars: Let’s Get Buggy! Participants will investigate the insects that make Shaw Nature Reserve their home. The class, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., is designed to give young learners a chance to learn about the natural world through natural experiences, and is designed for ages 3 to 5 with an adult. The fe is $12 per child. Advance registration is required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140.

May 26: Vinyasa Flow at Shaw Nature Reserve. This class is designed for all fitness levels. Classes will be held in the Carriage House. $54. Advance registration required; www.mobot.org/classes or (314) 577-5140. 
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (ages 65 and over) and free for children ages 12 and under. Missouri Botanical Garden members and Shaw Nature Reserve passholders are free.

The Shaw Nature Reserve is located on the south side of Interstate 44 at exit #253 in Gray Summit, Mo. (less than ten miles past the Six Flags exit).

For more information, visit www.shawnature.org or call (636) 451-3512. Follow the Shaw Nature Reserve on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shawnaturereserve.

The Shaw Nature Reserve is a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.