St Louis County Parks

[Phil Lilley]

Below are the upcoming events presented by the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation.

First, a personal note: I will soon be retiring from St. Louis County and moving on to new adventures. As my 30 year career with the department comes to an end I would like to thank all of you for your support and participation in our programs. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to be your public servant over the past three decades. In lieu of a traditional retirement party I have requested a fund raising roast to benefit a cancer charity that is personally important to me. Anyone interested in attending can get information by calling 636-391-3474. Again thanks for the good times and million great memories.

Marty Koch

Recreation Supervisor

Now on to the event list!

Faust Historic Village Open House

Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop.

In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information.

May 27-28, June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30

10 am-5 pm

Free

YOUTH FISHING LESSONS

Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch

Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10.

OA-14843 Wed May 31 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm

Suson Park, Spindler Shelter

$5/child

JUNE

BASIC KAYAK COURSE

Instructors: Alpine Shop

One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers.

This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up

OA-15090 Sat Jun 3 10:00 am-2:00 pm

OA-15091 Sat Jun 3 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm

OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm

OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm

OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm

OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm

OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm

OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm

Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter

$75/person

BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION (MAP AND COMPASS)

Instructor: Alpine Shop

This class covers the basics of navigating with Topographical Maps and Compass in a remote environment. Learn to be confident of your position while traveling in the wilderness whether on or off trail. Join an experienced Alpine Shop Instructor for a class session and practical hike that will cover map reading, compass selection, route selection, lost position procedures, and efficiency of travel. Advance registration required. Call 636-391-3474 to register. On-line registration is not available for this course.

OA-15061 Sat Jun 3 10 am-2 pm

OA-15062 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm

OA-15063 Sat Sep 9 10 am-2 pm

Greensfelder Park, Learning Center

$20/person

INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor sport where you navigate using a map and compass to find a series of markers scattered throughout the forest and field. This course is designed to introduce the novice to the use of map and compass and the sport of Orienteering. All materials and supplies are included. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474.

OA-15267 Sat Jun 3 9:00 am-1:00 pm

OA-15268 Sun Oct 1 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Queeny Park, Mason Rd. Entrance

$6/person

BIG RIVER FISHING FLOAT

While close to home the Big River is not heavily used. It is however, a first rate bass stream. We will float 6 miles of the river in the Smallmouth Bass special management area. Your fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. We will self-shuttle our vehicles at the beginning and the end of the trip. Non-anglers are welcome. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474.

OA-15236 Sun Jun 4 9 am-6 pm

Big River, Mamouth Access

$22/person

INTRO TO KAYAKING-DRY LAND BASICS

Instructor: Alpine Shop

This course is strongly recommended for anyone taking Alpine Shop’s Basic Kayaking course or any other introductory kayak clinic. Kayaks continue to explode in popularity throughout the Midwest and for good reason: they’re great fun and good exercise! But without knowing the basics, it’s hard to know where to start. Alpine Shop Paddlesports Director Rich Orr will help take care of that on dry land tonight. He’ll go over all the basics: from the equipment you’ll need, to the different styles of kayaks on the water. This clinic covers the basics of all kayaking but is geared towards touring and recreational kayaks. This course is free! Call the Alpine Shop at 314-962-7715 to register.

June 6, July 11, August 1

7 -8:30 pm

Alpine Shop, 440 N. Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh)

Free

YOUTH FISHING LESSONS

Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch

Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10.

OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm

Suson Park, Spindler Shelter

$5/child

KMOX FAMILY FISHING FAIR

Don’t miss the KMOX Family Fishing Day. . Enjoy activities for the whole family. This FREE day of family fishing fun is hosted by KMOX’s Outdoors Dan Young. There will be food and snacks along with plenty of fun activities for the kids. Free fishing weekend-no license required. For information call 636-391-3474.

OA-15270 Sat Jun 10 8:30 am-2:00 pm

Suson Park.

Free

BASIC KAYAK COURSE

Instructors: Alpine Shop

One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers.

This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up

OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm

OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm

OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm

OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm

OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm

OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm

OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm

Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter

$75/person

TWILIGHT ICE GRASS SLEDDING AND DINNER FOR ADULTS

Program Coordinator: Deborah Bohnert

Ok folks, grab your honey & come to the park for a really unique evening of FUN! "Grass Ice Sled," without snow by torchlight, followed by a romantic dinner and live music under the moon and stars. Your delicious meal will include spring salad, baked potato, beans, smoked breast of chicken, dessert and a drink of your choice. Right after dinner there will be string musicians playing or you may continue grass sledding under torch light. Please wear old clothes, bring a heavy towel or carpet square and a lawn chair or blanket to gather around our musicians. Adults only please. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-0922 for more information.

OA-14787 Sat Jun 10 6 -9:30 pm

Sioux Passage Park

$17/person

FAWN WALK

Leader: Dennis Hogan

Spring is the time when the new born elk, deer and bison join the herds of wildlife at Lone Elk Park. Join a Park Naturalist and search the hills and valleys looking for the new borns. In addition, learn about the history of the park and its days as a military installation during the 1940's and 50's. Participants will encounter steep, rocky trails. Advance registration is required. For more information about this program or to register call 636-391-0922.

OA-14919 Sat Jun 10 10 am-12 pm

Lone Elk Park, Visitor Center

$3/person

SECOND SATURDAY LATE NITGHT FISHING

Every second Saturday of the month, April – October we leave Suson, Simpson, and Spanish Lake parks open till 11 pm for late night fishing. Bring your poles, baits and lanterns and fish until the wee hours. Fishing is permitted from the bank only. No fee for program. For information call 636-391-3474.

OA-14984 June 10 6 -11 pm

Suson Park

Simpson Park

Spanish Lake Park

Free

MERAMEC RIVER TROUT FLOAT

The Meramec River near St. James is a really good trout stream. Join us for our annual float to fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout on this fabled stretch of water. Fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474 for information or reservations. Min. Age 12.

OA-15237 Sun Jun 11 8:00 am-6:00 pm

$22/person Meramec River, St. James, MO

YOUTH FISHING DAY CAMP

Camp Directors: Tim Emmons & Joel Monk

St. Louis' only "fishing" day camp is a big hit with kids ages 9 to 14! St. Louis County Park Rangers will conduct the camp where children will spend the week learning to be good anglers. Each day the group will venture out to a new fishing location. Also included is an afternoon of swimming at one of the county pools and a pizza party on Friday. All fishing equipment will be provided. Advance registration is required. Ages 9 -14. Call 636-391-3474 for more information.

OA-14665 Mon-Fri Jun 12 - Jun 16 8:30 am-3:30 pm Queeny Park

OA-14868 Mon-Fri Jul 10 - Jul 14 8:30 am-3:30 pm Suson Park

$130.00/5 sessions

YOUTH FISHING LESSONS

Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch

Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10.

OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm

OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm

Suson Park, Spindler Shelter

$5/child

BASIC KAYAK COURSE

Instructors: Alpine Shop

One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers.

This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up

OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm

OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm

OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm

OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm

OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm

OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm

OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm

Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter

$75/person

WETLAND PRAIRIE DISCOVERY

Leader: Dennis Hogan

Join a Park Naturalist and explore the unique 700-acre restoration that is taking place at Little Creve Coeur. Once an ox-bow lake formed by the Missouri River, Little Creve Coeur Wetlands were drained and plowed eliminating what once was a rich natural community. Now it is time to restore one of the largest remaining natural wetlands in St. Louis County. We are going to explore the natural wetland basin and the surrounding prairies, with their unique flora and fauna. Bring a pair of binoculars, the birding is fabulous. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register for this program call 636-391-0922.

OA-14922 Sat Jun 17 10 am-1 pm

Creve Coeur Park, West Side Soccer Field Lot.

$3/person

Faust Historic Village Open House

Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop.

In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information.

June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30

10 am-5 pm

Free

WILDERNESS 1ST AID CERTIFICATION.- REMOTE AREA RESCUE

Instructors: Alpine Shop

This is a fourteen-hour, highly intensive class in Wilderness Medicine and basic rescue procedures. The certification meets the requirements for the American Camping Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and National Park Service. Senior instructors hold a minimum of an NREMT-W license and have significant experience in mountain rescue and backcountry travel.

Students will receive rigorous instruction in assessment procedures as well as generalized and specific medical issues that are commonplace in a backcountry or remote setting. Topics include: body systems, hot/cold injuries, anaphylaxis, trauma, communication/extraction, expedition medical planning, and improvised vital monitoring. This course does NOT include CPR/AED training.

Students will participate in highly realistic simulation scenarios that model actual backcountry emergencies. The curriculum is fast paced, but exciting and dynamic in scope and content. The knowledge provided in this class is a must for anyone who spends time in remote areas or undertaking outdoor activities. Ages 18 & up.

Registrations are handled by phone only at 636-391-3474. On-line registration is not available for this program.

OA-15074 Sat Jun 17 6 am-8 pm

OA-15075 Sat Aug 12 6 am-8 pm

OA-15076 Sat Nov 4 6 am-8 pm

Alpine Shop, 440 N Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh)

$125/person