Pedal for Missouri’s forests along the Katy Trail

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Families, nature lovers, and cycling enthusiasts are invited to join University of Missouri Extension for the Tree-Mendous Ride on Sept. 12. The 8.2-mile educational bike event celebrates Missouri’s forests along the Katy Trail and highlights iconic trees, bottomland forests, wetlands and the vital role they play in wildlife habitat and water quality.

The journey begins at the Nature Conservancy’s Missouri River Center near Columbia. MU Extension sustainable forestry specialist Brian Schweiss said participants will learn how the center manages these lands to support bottomland forests. Riders will then pedal to the McBaine Bur Oak, one of Missouri’s most photographed trees, for a photo stop and quick lesson in identifying bur oaks.

Continuing down the trail, cyclists can check in at the McBaine Station and enjoy a snack break and learn a bit of forestry trivia, Schweiss said. Riders will continue toward Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. “Adventurous participants can take a steep hike to a lookout for sweeping views of forests and wetlands,” he said. Missouri Department of Conservation staff will be on hand to discuss wildlife management and wetlands conservation.

At “BoatHenge” – a mysterious formation of upright wooden boats – participants will learn about invasive species and efforts control them along the Katy Trail. The final check is at Cooper’s Landing and the Conservation Expo. Participants can visit a working sawmill and booths from organizations dedicated to forest stewardship. At 11:30 a.m., there will be a ceremonial tree planting in the Arbor Grove to celebrate ongoing conservation efforts.

Participants can check in with the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri to record the completion of the ride and enter drawings for prizes. Food and drinks will be available for sale at Cooper’s Landing. Riders can then pedal back to The Missouri River Center to claim their prizes.

More information is available from the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri.