FoRB Programs:

Monthly Member Meeting

FoRB’s monthly member meeting will now be held 11:30 am on the fourth Tuesday of each month at an area restaurant. Members and friends gather to learn about FoRB news and upcoming programs, and to get updates about the park.  The Board welcomes input at these meetings. Public is welcome.  Call 573-815-9255 for information about this month's meeting location.

Nature Detectives Summer 2008

Enjoy the beauty of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and learn about nature with your preschool child (3 – 6 years old).  Naturalists lead a short hike followed by nature craft activity. Free, but registrations required. Last year's event co-sponsored by the Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Boone’s Lick Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists, Downtown Optimist Club, and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Urban Population Outreach Program (UPOP) Summer 2008

An extension of our Bats on Parade, UPOP aims to reach children and youth who might not otherwise be able to participate. In cooperation with local youth agencies such as Boys and Girls Club, Fun City, Central Latino we offer field activities in the park that include camp skills, nature study, and cave tours. The Missouri Park Association provided  financial support, and the Boone's Lick Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist provided program support.

FoRB Events:

Bats on Parade 2008 is a series of summer programs that focus on the natural history of bats, and their importance in the ecosystem. Participants will learn to appreciate their presence right here in Columbia!  Bats on Parade activities include bat decorating, storytelling and songs, and a portable cave at the Columbia Public Library, as well as a field day and bat viewing trips at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.  All programs are free, but some require registration. Last year's program was cosponsored by the Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park (FORB); the Division of State Parks of the MO Department of Natural Resources, Boone's Lick Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists, Columbia Public Library; and the Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia.

Orienteering Meet and Eco-Hike

This fall event offers participants an opportunity to orienteer on four different levels of courses from exclusively on trail markers to exclusively off trail markers. A Free Eco-Hike adds interpretive nature stations along the white trail.

 Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Anniversary

This annual late winter event celebrates the establishment of the park with a luncheon and guest speaker.

Parkapalooza 2008
A Benefit for Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial Sate Park - Outdoor Education Programs
Sunday March 9, 2008  3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church - 2615 Shepard Blvd Reserve your tickets now –

Call 815-9255  Bring friends and neighbors!!   $10 for adults,

FoRB Patches for Participation

When visitors participate in various park sponsored activities they are eligible for a patch segment. Patches include: birding, camping, scouting, bats, boardwalk tour, hiking, biking, park staff led activity, as well as a membership patch.

Park Clean-up

Several times per year FoRB members sport safety vests and clean the section of Highway 163 that bisects the park. We also work on removing invasive plants such as Bush Honey Suckle and Autumn Olive. If you or your group is interested in a service project, we can schedule work days at other times convenient for you and your group.