A friend asked me earlier this week, “You know where Knob Noster State Park is, don’t you?”
“Just east of Warrensburg,” I replied confidently. I take pride in being able to identify and locate public places throughout Missouri where you can get out and enjoy the outdoors. I have visited more than half of the almost 100 state parks and historic sites, and recognize most of the other’s names.
So I was surprised when I saw a notice about an event at a place that didn’t sound familiar. Claire Gempp Davidson Memorial Conservation Area must be in some far flung corner of the state, I thought. No, it’s in Sunset Hills, on Sappington Road between Gravois and Eddie and Park. Basically in our neighborhood.
I went to visit the 13.5-acre park over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, which was coincidental because decades ago when my family visited South County for the holiday, my brother-in-law Dan and I would escape the crowd and find a place to hike around that same area near Grant’s Farm.
Those long ago walkabouts took place before the property was conveyed to the state Department of Conservation in 1992. Marjorie Elizabeth Gempp willed the natural area to the state in memory of her sister Claire, who died at age 26.
Managed by the city of Sunset Hills, the green space is a sweet oasis in a busy residential and commercial area. The trails wind through the woods on a thick carpet of wood mulch chips. A short spur trail leads to the adjacent elementary school providing access to a natural outdoor classroom.
The entire property is almost pancake flat, so elevation change is not an issue, and every step is easy. The paved parking lot and running water restrooms (closed for winter) put the park ahead of more rustic options.
The best features along the trails are the consistent tree identification signs and informational kiosks. The first one I encountered highlighted the dangers of invasive species. I did have to look at the names on several of the trees, but I had no trouble identifying the honeysuckle bushes that were unfortunately prolific in the suburban setting. Many of the identified trees were impressive examples of their species including huge black cherry, persimmon, white oak and eastern red cedar trees.
A sturdy boardwalk bridge passed through the wetlands area pond with its towering bald cypress trees. A small prairie area completed the wildlife area’s natural diversity. There are plenty of learning opportunities with each step.
The upcoming special event at the park is billed as a “Benefits of Nature Walk” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. “You’ll learn to harness the benefits of nature to expand your senses and improve, recalibrate, and restore physical and mental well-being,” the department press release said.
Of course any chance to get outdoors provides the biological boost that is delivered by fresh air, sunshine, and escape from the confines of the everyday grind. The scheduled walk at the wildlife area provides the extra bonus of a conservation department naturalist as a guide.
The press release touted nature as a means to reduce stress levels and blood pressure, and improve your immune system. “During the journey, discussions will focus on ways you can use the woods, your yard, or even a window to help receive the benefits of nature during the winter months, or any time of the year.”
The event is scheduled for two hours and will include stops along the way for group members to absorb their surroundings. The press release recommended bringing a towel or other pad for sitting on at the stops.
The Benefits of Nature Walk is free, but advanced registration is required. To sign-up for the event visit short.mdc.mo.gov/oJU. The guided walk is limited to 12 participants.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.