All Entries Tagged With: "natural wonders"
Photo Essay: Dave Naumann’s Native NoCo
An adventurer at heart, local attorney Dave Naumann likes going off the beaten path to explore the hidden natural areas of North County.
As the year closes out and I look back at all the reasons I’ve had to be grateful in 2011, I can’t help but think of you, dear NOCO readers. Since I launched this blog two years ago, I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people, both here in North County and throughout St. Louis. Hundreds of you have emailed with story ideas or insightful comments, and quite a few have even offered to help. Thank you!
One of those generous “helpers” is David Naumann, a Florissant attorney and lifelong NoCo resident whose passion is hiking and biking North County’s many unspoiled pockets of wilderness. Dave knows the area’s trails and hidden pathways probably better than anyone, and lucky for us, he always brings a camera along.
He has been offering to share his images for months now, and I finally got a chance to pull them all together. I have to admit, some of them are so gorgeous, they even made me wonder if they’re really in North County. But of course they are!
Many thanks to Dave Naumann for these beautiful photos, and to everyone who read NOCO and supported North County this year! You are truly appreciated!! Enjoy…
Watch for Eagles from Fort Belle Fontaine
If you happened to miss Eagle Days this past weekend, no worries… The Friends of Fort Belle Fontaine and St. Louis County Parks are teaming up this Saturday, January 22, to host another eagle-viewing event, this time surrounded by the beautiful winter landscape at Fort Belle Fontaine Park.
Besides watching for eagles along the Missouri River, you can take a guided three-mile trail hike and view live birds of prey up close, courtesy of World Bird Sanctuary. Living history experts from the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center in Hartford, Illinois, will also be on hand with their amazing replica of the Corps of Discovery’s flat-bottomed “pirogue” boat.
Admission is free, and all are welcome. January 22, 11am-2pm @ 13002 Bellefontaine Road, 63138
If you’ve never been to Fort Belle, please note that there’s a semi-menacing-looking guard’s post at the entrance. It’s not a big deal – just protection for the children’s home located in one section of the park. Just mention the eagle event, they’ll write down your license number and you can drive right in. Follow the signs toward the Grand Staircase.
Eagle Days are here again!
Even if you’re not a regular bird watcher, seeing an American Bald Eagle is an amazing and profound experience, especially when it’s right in your own backyard. I don’t know about you, but I think one of the most awesome and underrated things about North County is that every single winter, we are home to hundreds of migrating Bald Eagles, many of whom are clearly visible at our river shorelines.
A few years ago, my husband and I were driving across the new Chain of Rocks Bridge toward Illinois, and literally 20 feet away was a magnificent eagle in flight. I was able to look him (or her) right in the eye, and it’s a moment I will never forget. I wish the same incredible experience for you, NOCO fans, so I encourage you to attend one or both of this weekend’s Eagle Days events…
The first is at Columbia Bottom Conservation area and runs from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, January 15. You can watch eagles as they soar above the Confluence, using magnified scopes to zoom in your view. There will also be a warming tent, short hikes and a photography class, and everything is free. Just drop in at 801 Strodtman Road, Saint Louis, MO 63138.
Also on Saturday, January 15, you can watch for eagles from the old Chain of Rocks Bridge, where the Confluence Greenway is hosting a free public program from 9am to 3pm. Bring your own binoculars or use the viewing scopes on site. You can also see an eagle’s nest replica, living history demonstrations, a St. Louis Audubon Society display, and a real live eagle up close! Live eagle educational programs will be repeated every 20 minutes from 10:00am to 2:40pm. And yes, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s a warming tent nearby.
Hope to see you there… 10950 Riverview Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63137
The White Squirrel of Florissant
Eat your heart out, Olney, Illinois. Florissant has its very own white squirrel! This cute little guy has been spotted near Coteau and Rogers off of Derhake, though it looks to me like he’s just white and not albino. Who knows? Still, very cool and quite rare! Let’s hope there are more!
Thanks to Larry E. over at Florissant Topix for sharing this pic. It was taken just a few days ago.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K