News Release No. 420

EXPLORE BENNETT SPRING STATE PARK
ON A GUIDED HIKE OCT. 22

Volume 33-420

Contact: Sue Holst

(For immediate release)

573-751-6510

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 12, 2005 -- Enjoy the sights and sounds of fall at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon on a guided interpretive hike to the park's natural tunnel on Saturday, Oct. 22. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Tunnel Trail Hike will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Surrounded by the colors of fall, the scenic 7.5-mile hike will take participants along bluffs, through upland and bottomland forests and savannas, near glades, streams and open meadows, past caves and to the focal point of this daylong hike -- the park's natural tunnel. All of the park's different habitats will be explained and explored along the journey. Participants should bring water, plenty of snacks and a lunch, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The use of insect repellant is highly recommended.

The hike will begin at the trailhead near Bennett Spring. Interested partakers should reserve a spot on the hike by calling the park's nature center. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16.

Bennett Spring State Park is located 12 miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the park's nature center at 417-532-3925 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri's state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/parkssearch.do.

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