Night hike Friday, July 25, to offer seasonal observation opportunity at Sodalis Nature Preserve

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Warm summer nights are a good time to explore Hannibal parks.

Hannibal Parks and Recreation will offer a night hike nature program, Evening Meander, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25. The hike will take participants through Sodalis Nature Preserve. The program will be led by Hannibal Parks and Recreation’s nature interpreter Gale Rublee and members of the Mississippi Hills Missouri Master Naturalist chapter.

Being outside and present during the transition from day to dusk to night gives the opportunity to slow down and tune in to nature’s crepuscular (dawn and dusk) comings and goings.

In a press release, Rublee said, “While most of the Indiana bats are in their summer forest homes, there’s always some bats around Sodalis including the endangered gray bat maternity colony.”

The hike will include seasonal observations along the way and a heightening of the senses as participants return in the dark. “It’s a fun evening activity for the family and Friday night dates,” she said.

The full program is about two hours and covers a two-mile paved loop with a steep incline. Participants have the option to return sooner if desired.

Nature programs are free due to the generous sponsorship of Hannibal BASF. Registration is required at: www.hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program