A place to watch eagles with minimal effort is from the promenade in Fort Belle Fontaine County Park. Bring a chair to sit and watch the eagles or walk one of two trails along the Missouri River.

Where • 13002 Bellefontaine Road. Interstate 270, Bellefontaine Road north, to the road's end.

How long • The bigger loop trail is 2.9 miles; the 1.7-mile inner loop is part of the 30/30 Trails program — hikes that take about 30 minutes.

Surface • The 30/30 trail is a combination of asphalt and natural; the other is gravel and dirt.

Difficulty • Moderate. Hilly away from the river.

Can be used for • Hiking, bicycling.

User's notes • For history buffs, it's the first military outpost west of the Mississippi River, after the Louisiana Purchase in 1804. It was also a stop-off site for the Lewis and Clark Expedition heading up the Missouri River. Along with the stone ruins and staircase, the park has structures from Depression-era public works programs. Eagles are sparse currently, but along the west side of the trails are an abundance of multi-colored forest birds, including blues and cardinals.

Wheelchair accessible • Neither the paved nor natural surfaces are friendly to wheelchairs, especially in this muddy season.

Facilities • Portable restrooms in the park; no playgrounds; bring your own water.

Parking • Trail parking is about halfway from the park entrance to the river on the west side of the park. A small space is adjacent to the promenade.

Dogs • On leash.

Information • 314-615-4386 or alturl.com/9a7k4. You might want to call ahead; the park closes from time to time for military re-enactments.

 

TRAIL NOTES

2012 Midwest Bicycle Expo and Swap Meet

When • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where • Gateway Center, One Gateway Drive, Collinsville.

How much • $5 admission.

Extras • A classic bike show. Display your classic bicycle for $5 to compete for trophies.

Information • John Cameron, john@trailnet.org, or 314-436-1324, ext. 106. Volunteers needed.

 

Beginning Birding

When • 8:15 to 10 a.m., Feb. 4, and the first Saturday of the month through the year.

Where • Meet at the Forest Park Visitor Center, 5595 Grand Drive.

How much • Free.

Information • 314-599-7390 or birding@forestparkforever.org

 

Coyotes Howling at the Full Snow Moon

What • A talk on the value of coyotes to the ecosystem and a look at coyote artifacts. There will be a short hike to look and listen for coyotes howling at the moon. Return to the Visitor Center for hot beverages.

When • 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4.

Where • Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, 801 Strodtman Road

Ages • 7 years and older.

Reservations • 314-877-6014

 

Mingo Swamp Photo Contest

What • Applications for the 2012 Mingo Swamp Photo Contest are available at alturl.com/v6wfu.

Eligibility • Three divisions: youth, 17 and under; adults, 18 and older; professional.

How much • $5 for the first three photos; $5 each for additional photo. Check rules for fee structures.

Categories • Landscape, native wildlife, native plant, people in nature and anything artistically enhanced.

More information • Visit mingoswampfriends.org