SierraScape June - July 2003
Back to Table of Contents
by Dan Drees
Twenty-five years ago Missouri citizens voted to allow the Meramec River to remain free flowing and deauthorized a project to dam the river. Stopping the proposed dam project has led to the permanent protection of some of the Meramec River's most significant natural wonders, which visitors this summer will have special opportunities to experience.
The headwaters of the Meramec River begin in the Ozarks near Salem, traveling 228 miles to join the Mississippi River south of St. Louis. The Meramec's spring-fed waters have provided a summer haven for river recreation. What some do not realize is that the Meramec River is also a haven for the greatest variety of aquatic life in the Midwest, giving observant explorers constant opportunities to discover the wealth of aquatic life it shelters. New native species are still being discovered in the river.
Many areas of public land border the Meramec River. Following the deauthorization of the dam, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources created Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg. Onondaga Cave has been designated a National Natural Landmark because of the abundance and quality of its cave speleothems. Also now protected in Onondaga Cave State Park are Vilander Bluffs, the tallest and most spectacular bluffs along the river. In Meramec State Park near Sullivan, the 90-foot-tall riverside entrance to Green's Cave is now protected.
Several agencies and organizations are working together to sponsor events along the Meramec River this summer so that people can deepen their understanding of this natural treasure. Events sponsored by Sierra Club outings leaders require a $1.00 per person insurance fee and signing of a liability waiver; events sponsored by state park staff do not.
June 8: GLADE HIKE, sponsored by the Sierra Club, call Paul Stupperich at (314) 429-4352. Four-mile round trip hike to glades at Meramec State Park overlooking the river. Moderately difficult but the wildflowers and vistas are superb. The glade coneflowers will be in full bloom.
June 14: HAMILTON HOLLOW CREEK HIKE, sponsored by the Sierra Club, call Bob Gestel at (636) 296-8975. A refreshing four-mile round trip hike in and along Hamilton Creek to Hamilton Cave, Pratt Spring, Pratt Spring Cave, Homestead Spring, and the Meramec River.
June 22: HAMILTON HOLLOW HIKE, sponsored by the Sierra Club, call Wayne Miller at (314) 569-0094. Three-mile round trip hike along Hamilton Creek to Hamilton Cave, Pratt Spring, Pratt Spring Cave, and Homestead Spring where beavers have built themselves a large dam and pond.
July 6: HAMILTON HOLLOW CREEK HIKE, sponsored by the Sierra Club, call Glenn Wolters at (314) 845-5859. A refreshing three-mile round trip hike in and along Hamilton Creek to Hamilton Cave, Pratt Spring, Pratt Spring Cave, and Homestead Spring. The beavers have been active here.
July 26: A WADE IN THE MERAMEC, sponsored by Meramec State Park, Sullivan, call Brian Wilcox or Jody Miles at (573) 468-6072. The Meramec River contains 120 (21%) of the 574 native freshwater fish species in North America, including a darter that is only found in the Meramec. Join park staff in a refreshingly wet exploration of the Meramec River from a large gravel bar island.
Aug. 2: MUSSELS IN THE MERAMEC, Castlewood State Park, Ballwin, call Richard Love at (636) 227-4433. Freshwater mussels were once numerous and diverse in most rivers in Missouri but now are one of the most threatened animal groups in North America. Freshwater mussel experts will be at one of the gravel bars in the park to show visitors these overlooked animals that clean our streams.
Aug. 8: MERAMEC FREEDOM CANOE TRIP, Meramec State Park, Sullivan, call Brian Wilcox or Jody Miles at (573) 468-6072. This five-mile interpretive canoe trip will explore the rich natural and cultural history of the Meramec River, including stops at Green's Cave and the proposed Meramec Dam site. Registration is required.
Aug. 9: WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg, (573) 245-6576. The park will offer half-priced cave tours. The intertwined history of Onondaga Cave and the Meramec dam will be highlighted during the tours. Reservations are recommended.
For more information about these events call the respective telephone numbers. For more information about other events this summer along the Meramec River contact the Open Space Council at (866) 983-9900.