ENJOY EAGLE VIEWING, PARK WALK AT HIDEAWAY HARBOR PARK ON FEB. 28
St. Charles County Parks - To kick off the St. Charles County Parks Department's popular Passport to St. Charles County Parks walks this year, the department will host an eagle viewing/guided hike at 9 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Hideaway Harbor Park. The two-hour Passport program offers a free and relaxing way to tour St. Charles County's parks and to learn about their amenities.
The first of these monthly walks will focus upon the return of the bald eagles to their Mississippi River aeries near Portage des Sioux. Participants will walk the perimeter of the 49-acre riverside park that has served as a recreation center for more than 100 years and view the nation's symbol in its natural surroundings. The department will provide a spotting scope and binoculars, but guests are encouraged to bring their own, if preferred. To get to Hideaway Harbor Park from St. Charles, take Highway 94 North from Highway 370 until reaching Grafton Ferry Road (approximately eight miles). Turn left on Grafton Ferry Road and turn right on Portage Road until you reach Sioux Drive. Turn left on Sioux Drive into the park.
Participants in the nine walks will receive their own "passport" that will be used to collect stamps that signify the completion of a walk. Those that participate in at least four Passport to St. Charles County Parks walks held from February through October will earn a park T-shirt. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring their own supplies (i.e. - water, binoculars, cameras, etc.). Guests interested in participating in the walks should pre-register online at www.stccparks.org or call (636) 949-7535, although day-of registrations will be accepted.
In addition to the first walk on Feb. 28 at Hideaway Harbor Park, eight other walks are planned. On March 28, the program will explore the riverside ecosystem at the new Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area at 9 a.m. Then, the program will examine the farming heritage and astronomy viewing area at Broemmelsiek Park on April 25 (begins at 5 p.m.). Beginning at 5 p.m., on May 30, the walk will focus on the birding opportunities and campground at Klondike Park. Next, the June 27 (9 a.m.) walk will tour the historical features at Indian Camp Creek Park. To beat the summer heat, a 9 a.m. walk on July 25 will explore the shaded forests of Matson Hill Park. The 33,000 square-foot skate park and 35-foot rock wall at the Youth Activity Park will be the highlights of the walk at 10 a.m., on Aug. 29. Soon-to-open Towne Park will be visited during the 9 a.m., walk on Sept. 26. And, the program will conclude at 9 a.m., on Oct. 23 with a tour of the waterways and woods at Quail Ridge Park. For information or directions to these regional parks, please visit www.stccparks.org or call the department at (636) 949-7535.
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