I attended the monthly Sierra Club meeting on Tuesday night at the Discovery Center to hear William Eddy and Richard Ballentine talk about hiking the Kansas City area. They're the authors of Hiking Kansas City, which is now in its fifth edition.
These gentlemen have been exploring pathways in the region a good many years and have included in their book more than 60 trails to fit your needs, from natural surfaces to paved surfaces; from horse trails to biking trails; from short walks to overnight backpacking hikes.
Speaking of the Discovery Center on Troost Ave. located in Kauffman Legacy Park, it remains one of my favorite places to visit in Kansas City. Before you even go inside you can wander around the garden, wetlands and take a look at some of the native plants in back of the building.
If you're observant you may notice the bio-swales in the parking lot. These are what are called retention basins, which treat runoffs before it empties in the storm water system.
Inside the "green design" building you can see a geothermal heat pump and also learn something about passive and active solar features. You will also find plenty of brochures and information covering any number of subjects, published by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Mid-West Regional Council and others. If you've never been to the Discovery Center it's worth a visit. And do some walking.
favorite trails?
Walter,
I don't know if you're a walker, but if so what are some of your favorite trails?
How 'bout other people reading this blog? What do you recommend that's nearby?
"favorite trails"
Right near where I live I like the Trolley Track Trail and the Plaza Area. A little farther away James A. Reed Wildlife Area, and even farther away certainly the Konza Prairie Trails ... and a couple of other places I can't even remember the names at the moment.
hiking
Walter,
Love your blog. Did Mr. Eddy mention during the Sierra Club meeting whether his book could be found in any local book stores? Thanks.
Karen
"Do Some Walking"
The book can be ordered directly from the publisher online. It's Pebble Publishing, Inc. and they are located in Rocheport, MO. As well the book can be found in the regional interest section at bookstores.
Happy trails
Thanks for recognizing this meeting! They are getting bigger lately and I didn't see you, Walter. The Thomas Hart Benton group of the Sierra Club meets at the Discovery Center every first Tuesday of the month and non-members are welcome. We present quite a variety of environmental topics. Most of the time "Hiking Kansas City" is one of several items available for sale at the meeting to support protection of the environment.
Happy Trails"
Oh, I was there.