Superheroes To Fight Alien Invaders October 5th At Burr Oak Woods

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

​     Not all aliens arrive in spaceships. Some send seeds floating in the wind or drifting in the water. Property owners sometimes unknowingly allow them to proliferate in backyard settings. People aware of problems posed by nonnative, invasive species are a first line of defense.
     But alas, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) staff at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center has also lined up some superheroes that will hike to the rescue from 4:00pm to 9:00pm on Saturday, October 5th, at the Nature Center in Blue Springs.
     All ages are welcome for lighthearted but informative trailside theater as the Burr Oak Woods staff presents Superheroes and the Curse of the Alien Invaders. Fear not, good people, this is a free event.
     In a fun and family-friendly way, visitors can take a guided trek through the forest and meet the Incredible Hulk, Batman, Aqua Girl, Spiderman, Captain Marvel, and even Superman along the trail as they battle against troublesome exotic species. Nature fans donning their Halloween costumes early are welcome.
     The superheroes will talk about the role of native species in nature and how nonnative, invasive exotics negatively affect people, wildlife, and forest and grassland habitats. Visitors will also get to enjoy nature in the autumn-tinged woods.
     Those who are dealing with a troublesome invasive species on their property will have a chance to discuss management approaches with experts. Trail tours start every 15 minutes, with the last tour departing at 7:00pm. There will be a final performance at 8:00pm in the nature center auditorium.
     Registration is not necessary. But visitors can reserve a tour time by picking up tickets at the nature center’s front desk. Visitors can also enjoy nature activities, crafts, prizes and free refreshments.
     MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road. For more information, call 816-228-3766, or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods.
 

Superheroes such as Superman will help visitors join the battle against troublesome invasive species during free guided hikes 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at MDC's Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. Little superheroes donning their Halloween costumes are welcome, too.     
Photo credit: Missouri Department of Conservation