Join MDC and Tower Grove Park for Fall Frolic event Oct. 22

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Nature can be found everywhere... even in the middle of a large city like St. Louis.  For example, did you know that Tower Grove Park is considered a birding hotspot?  Over 164 species of birds have been documented there.   Take a stroll through the park and an unexpected animal might pass by at any time – on the ground, in a tree, or up in the sky.   Tower Grove Park hosts a wide variety of urban wildlife within its 289-acres.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is teaming up with Tower Grove Park to help introduce people of all ages to the park’s wildlife at the Fall Frolic Sunday, Oct. 22 from 2-5 p.m.  This family event is free and open to everyone with no registration required.  Enjoy an autumn afternoon connecting to nature and discover the abundance of wild critters that call the city home.

The Fall Frolic event will feature interactive activity stations that will explore fun information about animals found in the city.   Visitors should first stop by the information/passport station located at the Roman Pavilion to pick up a map and a passport to all the stations.  The passport includes a survey about the event. 

“When people turn in surveys, families and adults can enter to win one of three themed baskets of goodies: aquatic, garden, or outdoors,” said MDC Naturalist Rebecca Rodriguez. “Children can also pick up a special treat after visiting the activity stations and collecting stamps.”

MDC will host an aquatic animals macroinvertebrate display, owl pellet dissection, urban fishing activity, and an educational station all about mammals, using pelts and skulls.

Other activities include “wildlife encounters” with interpreters dressed in animal costumes, as well as informational stations about MDC programs and opportunities.  Our other event partners include the Saint Louis Zoo, the Butterfly House, Shaw Nature Reserve, Artscope, Audubon Center at Riverlands, Show-Me Green Schools, Great Rivers Greenway, St. Louis Public Library, World Bird Sanctuary, and St. Louis Wildlife Project, all of which will have a table with interactive displays and activities related to plants, pollinators, and animals in our region.

Food and beverage vendors will also be on site and live music begins at 3 p.m.  There’ll also be S’mores at the firepits from 2-5 p.m., while supplies last.

Learn about urban wildlife and catch some early fall colors at one of St. Louis’ most celebrated parks at the Fall Frolic.  Tower Grove Park is in the heart of the City of St. Louis at 4257 Northeast Drive.  It lies between Kingshighway and Grand Boulevards. Event will take place at the Roman Pavilion, off Center Cross Drive.