River Relief

May 11, 2009

Big Muddy Sessions: "A Walk on the Refuge"

7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

Join Big Muddy Refuge staff for a short walk through the Overton North Unit of the Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge. Followed by a discussion on the future of Friends of Big Muddy, the volunteer organization that supports the Big Muddy Refuge throughout the state of Missouri.

The high water on the Missouri River flooded the Overton North Unit of the refuge once again. It's a great time to see the after effects of flooding on this resiliant ecosystem.

Refuge staff will lead a short hike from Bryant Cabin through the refuge. Following the hike, there will be a discussion at Bryant Cabin about the future of Friends of Big Muddy. We'd love to hear your input!

The talk, hosted by Friends of Big Muddy, Missouri River Relief and the Big Muddy NFWR will be held at 7 p.m., April 14, at the Bryant Cabin at the Overton Bottoms North Unit of the Big Muddy Refuge.

Named after J.C. Bryant, the original manager for the Big Muddy refuge, the cabin was acquired by the refuge in 2007 as part of a 500 acre parcel they purchased to add to Overton Bottoms North. It was built to be used as a hunting cabin by the former owners. However the term "hunting cabin" doesn’t do justice to this beautiful, 2,000+ square foot, three bedroom house with all hardwood interior paneling and a huge deck overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. It makes a perfect meeting place for Friends of Big Muddy and we are grateful to refuge staff for allowing us to use this facility for our programs.

Directions

From I-70 heading west - take the Overton/Woodridge exit (exit 111 - the first exit west of the Missouri River). Head north. Take an immediate left on Highway 98. Go west seven tenths of a mile and turn right on Brady Lane (the first road to the right). In six tenths of a mile, Brady Lane curves ninety degrees to the right. Go straight on the gravel drive, going past the Loesing parking area and through the open gate. The lane follows the ridge around to the cabin. A map is on the refuge web site, and the Bryant Cabin is in the dark "closed area." Just ignore the closed area signs, as you have special authorization for these programs to enter the area.

From I-70 heading east - (NOTE: the overpass at the Overton/Wooldridge exit is closed, so if you are coming from the west you'll need to follow this detour) take Exit 106 (Business 70). Head north (left). Take a right on Highway 98. Follow for about five miles. Turn left on Brady Lane. In six tenths of a mile, Brady Lane curves ninety degrees to the right. Go straight on the gravel drive, going past the Loesing parking area and through the open gate. The lane follows the ridge around to the cabin. A map is on the refuge web site, and the Bryant Cabin is in the dark "closed area." Just ignore the closed area signs, as you have special authorization for these programs to enter the area.

All programs are open to the public. You do not need to be a member of either organization to participate.

We hope you can come and learn more about the Missouri River!