Great Rivers Greenway is in search of volunteers to hide painted rocks along area greenways as part of the third annual Greenway Quest.
The Greenway Quest is a scavenger hunt-style activity for people of all ages who enjoy exploring nature and being outdoors. Over 300 rocks will be hidden along the 135 miles of greenways in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County along the edges of the greenways or at designated trailheads. The rocks will never be hidden on private property.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can find more information at GreenwayQuest.com. A limited number of volunteer spots are available.
“We’d love you to volunteer so we can pull off this fun adventure,” Dallas Adams, Great Rivers Greenway communications manager stated in a press release.
Those who have participated in the past may remember last year’s painted bee rocks, and 2022’s painted turtle rocks. This year’s species is a secret, though it will be revealed Monday, July 15. Great Rivers Greenway encourages area residents to follow them on Facebook or Instagram or stay tuned to local news to find out what local creature is featured on this year’s rocks.
Once a painted rock is found, the finder can take it home and register their treasure by logging in at GreenwayQuest.com for the chance to win additional prizes, though participants can only enter to win once. Rock hunters are also encouraged to post photos of themselves and their found rock, tagging @GreatRiversSTL so Great Rivers Greenway can see and share the Greenway Quest finds.
Participants can plan their greenway visit – and track to see where painted rocks have already been found – at GreenwayQuest.com. If anyone finds more than one painted rock, Great Rivers Greenway encourages them to place it back in the same spot so more people can join in the fun.
“While searching for the rocks next to the greenway trails, we encourage visitors to also take notice of the many kinds of plants, bugs and natural features like creeks and ponds they encounter,” Adams stated. “Our greenways are great places to experience nature and be in the moment.”