Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.
Discover nature under the light of the Hunter’s Moon at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.
Columbia Bottom will hold free Hunter’s Moon hayrides Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 2 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. both evenings. Light from the waning Hunter’s Moon will offer visitors a chance to see nature come to life after sunset. A hayride through the rich mosaic of natural habitats on the 4,300-acre conservation area is a perfect way to explore the sights and sounds of its nocturnal residents. Rides will depart from the visitor center at 5:30, 5:45, 7:15, and 7:30 each night. They will last about 90 minutes.
The Hunter’s Moon hayrides at Columbia Bottom are free, but advanced registration is required by calling 314-877-6014. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. Accommodations for visitors with disabilities are also available with advanced notice.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at 801 Strodtman Road in Spanish Lake. It can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive exit three miles north from I-270.
Riders might have the opportunity to see or hear owls, coyotes or deer. There may also be migrating waterfowl inhabiting the area’s wetlands. Each ride will be guided by an MDC naturalist who will explain and interpret the sights and sounds along the way.
The Hunter’s Moon is the next full moon that occurs after the Harvest Moon. This year it will be Oct. 16, just before the hayrides. In tradition and folklore, the Hunter’s Moon gave hunters the extra light they needed to stalk nocturnal prey that came to fields foraging stubble left from the crop harvest.
More information HERE.
Information from MDC release.
Environmental Echo 