Hike For A New Passport

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts now have a new motivation to get out on area trails.

Organizers at The Open Space Council just launched a program called "Passport to Meramec River Trails" to encourage outdoor recreation along the Meramec River.

By hiking six designated trails along the Meramec and obtaining a stamp for each
trail, participants can get a free water bottle and a one-year membership to the council upon submitting completed passports to Open Space Council representatives.

The six participating trails include:

• Green Rock Trail, Wildwood
• Al Foster Memorial Trail, Wildwood (trailhead start)
• Minnie Ha Ha Trail, Sunset Hills
• Rock Hollow Trail, Ellisville
• Castlewood State Park (any trail within the park), Ballwin
• Arnold's Grove Trail (trailhead start), Valley Park

Passports are available at park offices, visitor centers and by online requests, said Brittany Barton, council project manager.

An 8-mile Green Rock Trail Challenge in Wildwood is planned for June 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. as part of this passport program. The morning starts with all participants meeting at the Muckerman Shelter in at 4515 Hencken Rd. A light breakfast will be served at the shelter; then hikers will be bussed to Rockwood Reservation, where the hike will begin. Registration was required, and at this time, the event is full.

June 4 is National Trails Day, so it would be a perfect time to explore the variety of pathways in West St. Louis County.

The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region is a nonprofit organization based in Ballwin. Its members are committed to conserving, protecting and sustaining land and water resources. They shepherd programs and activities to ensure responsible and ethical uses of the area's waterways and wild lands.