Walk at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit MO

Shaw Nature Reserve is on I-44 in Gray Summit, Missouri, approximately 22 miles west of the I-44/I-270 interchange approximately 30 minutes. The Gray Summit I-44 exit is #253, just two exits west of Six Flags (Allenton/Eureka).

• Westbound I-44 from exit ramp, turn left, crossing over I-44. Turn right at the intersection (at the Mobil) and go 50 yards to the large iron gates on the left side of the road.
• Eastbound I-44, from exit ramp #253, turn right at top of ramp and then another right at at intersection (at the Mobil) and go 50 yards to the large iron gates on the left side of the road.

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit/family-of-attractions/shaw-nature-reserve/plan-your-visit/visit-the-reserve/getting-here
There are three admission prices:
General Admission $5
Members Admission Free
Senior Admission $3
After the walk we will have lunch in Pacific or Eureka.

What to bring:

• WATER – THIS IS IMPORTANT ALL YEAR LONG AND ESPECIALLY IN THE WARMER MONTHS. WE WILL USUALLY BE OUT FOR AT LEAST 1 ½ HOURS AND THAT IS TOO LONG TO GO WITHOUT REPLENISHING THE LIQUIDS THAT YOU WILL BE BURNING WHILE WALKING. – I AVOID DRINKING CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES BEFORE WALKING. THEY DRY ME OUT AND MAKE ME HAVE TO URINATE MORE. THE ARE A LOT OF GOOD ARTICLES ABOUT “effects of caffeine and exercise” ON THE INTERNET OR ASK YOU DOCTOR.
• Dress in layers (not sure what the weather will do). The top couple of layers should be easily unbuttoned or unzipped to allow easy ventilation. Wear a hat.
• I recommend broken in hiking shoes over Tennis shoes. A lot of the trails are over loose gravel and dirt and the treads on the hiking boots work much better.
• Snacks – EAT LIGHTLY BEFORE THE WALK AND BRING A POWER BAR OR SNACK TO MUNCH ON DURING THE WALK.

Meetup Donation: Meetup charges me $180 every six months to have the Walking site. If you would like to donate $1 at some of the walks, it will be appreciated.

Greg Kluempers