What is Magic Woods?

Magic Woods is an educational and fun activity presented by Friends of Lakeside Nature Center (FOLNC).  This year’s event will be staged on October 7^th and 8^th.  You are all invited to take a walk on the wild side with Mother Nature and her friends.

You join a group of ten other visitors to visit Mother Nature at the start of the walk; she sprinkles you with magic dust– for the length of the trail, everyone will understand what the animals are saying.  Volunteer guides, who are equipped with flashlights to ensure safety for all, conduct the groups along the trail.

Luminaries and torches illuminate the hiking trail at Lakeside Nature Center.  The animals (volunteers in costume) are stationed along the path.  Extra illumination is provided at each performance site.  As a group approaches, the animals tell their stories.

Once your group has completed the walk, you are invited into Lakeside Nature Center (LNC) to view the exhibits, see animal interpretations by naturalists (both LNC staff and FOLNC volunteers), complete craft projects and have a cup of hot cocoa.  As you leave the Nature Center, you can pick up a ‘goodie bag”; in 2004 the package included bookmarks with information about various species of native Missouri wildlife.

Magic Woods, 2004

Registration at the entrance to Lakeside Nature Center. 

In 2005, Magic Woods will be open on October 7^th and 8^th.  Admission is $4.00 per person; children under 3 are free.

 Guides lead the visitors on their trek through the Magic Woods.

The skunk was, hands down, the most popular animal at Magic Woods.  She reminded our visitors that wild animals just want to be left alone to pursue their lives in peace.  And some of them may pack a lethal punch!

The mountain men told the story of fur trapping in Missouri and the environmental impact of unlimited harvesting of animals for fur.  The fashion for beaver hats almost caused the extinction of beavers.

After the walk through the Magic Woods, visitors had an opportunity to hear animal interpretations by naturalists – and to see some of the LNC residents up close and personal.

The craft table provided opportunities to make a reminder of a wonderful evening.