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Dorri Partain
Managing Editor
Proving you don’t need hiking boots or rugged terrain, Urban Hiking is increasing in popularity.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has hosted a series of Urban Hikes in locations across Kansas City — from the River Market to historic cemeteries — to showcase both native and invasive plant species, as well as architecture.
Tuesday, Aug.13., a dozen hikers hit the pavement within the Pendleton Heights neighborhood. Led by Stacey Davis — director of the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (4750 Troost Ave) — this hiking group set out at 6 p.m. from Independence Plaza Park (2200 Independence Ave). For an hour and a half, participants wandered along streets and alleys, covering approximately 2.5 miles before returning to the park.
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Davis pointed out various species, as hikers asked questions or used phone apps to identify unknown plant species. In addition to residential plantings, Pendleton Heights neighbors maintain a community garden and orchard — both of which were destination stops during this hike.
Now in its fourth year, the Urban Hiking series begins in May and ends with an eight-mile hike in October. Participants can try to sign up for the entire series, but spaces fill-up quickly. Registration is through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website — next year’s schedule will be posted by spring 2025.
While Davis said she enjoys leading hikers — and discovers something new each year in areas she’s hiked before — she also encourages folks to get out and do some exploring on their own to see what’s growing, even if it’s only a few blocks away.