From 1994 to 1998 I had the great pleasure of working as the Director of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty. If you are not familiar with this facility, let me take a few lines to fill you in.

Martha Lafite Thompson was a unique individual who loved nature and children. Even before her passing she was turning her 50 acre former dairy farm into a nature preserve. She was woman of great foresight because this was the early 70s and very few people were acting on environmental conscience this way.

After she passed away in 1976, the property came under direction of a nonprofit board and one of the first environmental education centers in Kansas City began operation. Over the past 27 years countless thousands of school children, scouts, families and individuals have attended nature programs.

The Nature Sanctuary features over 5 miles of hiking trails through various habitats including a restored tallgrass prairie. You don't have to worry about mobility issues. Much of the trails system is paved and a long section that takes you down to beautiful Rush Creek is disabled accessible. Do yourself a favor and take the kids out for a nice fall hike at MLTNS in Liberty.

By Mark McKellar

FALL 2004