Wildcat Glades Nature Group

Conservation education: programs are presented to preschool age children on site 24 times a year. Daycare and schoools request classes and we take educational programs to their location. 7 to 14 years olds are served through our Nature exlplorer programs monthly. Adult classes ranging in various topics such as beginning foraging, Nature decor, natural insect repellents, winter animals, and other topics. The Group also visits nursing homes with similar porgrams. Over 4500 people were served through in person classes. Education includes information kiosks, environmental fairs, and community events.

Park maintenance & improvements. The Group works in Wildcat park, a city of joplin park, repairing and improving the trail system. Habitat restoration is achieved by invasive plant species removal. Native plants and trees are planted to replace invasive species. Graffiti is removed from rocks and trees utilizing environmentally friendly methods. The Group also maintains restrooms, a hydration station, a natural play area, and a building for park visitors in cooperation with the city of joplin under a memorandum of understanding.

Annual and special events - shoal creek water festival serves over 1500 people with a focus on the importance of water sheds in general and specifically with the shoal creek water shed that supplies drinking water to the cities of joplin and neosho Missouri. May the forest be with you is a combination of earth and arbor day celebrations, serving over 600 people and focused on recycling, the impact individuals have on the environment, and distributing native trees and plants. Ghostly Glades is an interactive hike with 400 paritcipants. Hikers are divided into groups and led through the trails, stopping at different stations to learn about different species of animals and plants. All special events are partnership events with other non profit groups.