MAKANDA (WSIL) -- Giant City State Park is reporting a record number of visitors this past year as more people ventured outdoors more during the pandemic.
While winter weather has cooled those hot numbers, the park is quickly running out of reservations for their upcoming winter and spring programs.
Winter Walk, which is the last event for January, is completely booked. But, there's still room in outdoor events scheduled for February and March.
Jennifer Randolph-Bollinger, who is the Natural Resources Coordinator, says, it was 'great' seeing all the faces in the park last year, but folks who only visit in the warm months are missing out.
"It's really a shame that more people don't utilize the winter to get out," says Randolph-Bollinger. "The landscape is beautiful, and it's a great time to look for woodpeckers, Pileated woodpeckers. They're very common in the park."
With fewer people out in the colder weather, she says the park is quiet and visitors usually have the trails to themsevles.
She adds that hikers see less critters as well, including those pesky mosquitos that come along with warm, humid weather.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Winter Tree ID Hike -- Saturday, February 6, 1-3pm
Identifying trees in winter is a snap when you know what to look for. Join Jennifer Behnken, Community Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation, as she shares easy and fun tips to discover trees in winter! We will be hiking the 1-mile Giant City Nature Trail.
Forest Therapy Hike -- Saturday, February 20, 10-11am
Slow down and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the winter forest as park volunteers and nature enthusiasts, Mike and Monique Baltz, give a tutorial on how to get a little “Forest Therapy." Using all of your senses take a relaxing walk on the easy, partially paved, 1/3 mile Post Oak Trail. Registration begins on February 1st.
Full Moon Hike -- Saturday, February 27, 6:30-7:15pm
The trails at Giant City close at dusk unless you are attending a guided hike with the Natural Resources Coordinator. Listen for the occasional call of the Barred owl as we hike under the glow of the full moon. This will be a moderate (some steep stair climbing) 1/3 mile hike on the Stone Fort Trail. Registration begins February 1st.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID 19 and to help keep program participants safe, all programs will take place outdoors and will have a limited registration of 10 or less people. Please remember to bring a mask. If social distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible, masks must be worn.
Giant City State Park
Registration is required for all programs. Please call the Giant City Visitors Center at 618-457-4836 for more information or to register.
All programs are free.
