Nature trails become outdoor classrooms

“The new signs will help familiarize children and adults with many native species like the flowering dogwood that is our state tree, as well as those species that are rare in this part of the country,” said Casey Jo Kellner, Branson city horticulturist, in a news release. Kellner added that the signs provide the botanical and common names of trees, shrubs and vines.

“We’ve even marked poison ivy vines so people can recognize and avoid (them),” Kellner added.

The signs are along Trail One at Lakeside Forest, but the project will expand to other trails there and into other city parks. Kellner said Lakeside Forest is a good starting point, because it is the longest trail system in operation by the city.

Employees of four city departments – Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development, Public Works and Engineering – are working with local Eagle Scouts for the identification sign pilot projects. After identifying trees and plants, the city’s Geographic Information System division mapped the locations using global positioning system technology. Collected information will be used to create new trail maps that include the identified species, and it will be added to the city map online at www.cityofbranson.org.

Eagle Scouts cut and set all posts in concrete, and employees glued on the identification signs.

“The initial project has proven to be a success, because we have received some very favorable comments from people who have noticed the signs,” Kellner said. “As the city continues working toward a public trail system to link parks, neighborhoods and retail centers, we also want to include trail-related programs to make the hikes more interesting and educational.”