Between Zoo Camp, taking an animal-packed vacation to Wyoming and expanding my daughter’s Littlest Pet Shop collection, our summer has revolved around nature. Fortunately, St. Louis has a lot of interesting places to explore the outdoors. One of the best is Shaw Nature Reserve. It’s located only 35 miles southwest of St. Louis in Gray Summit, Missouri. July is a great time to discover the Reserve on your bike. Enjoy Missouri’s beautiful wildflowers and wildlife on seven miles of bike-friendly gravel roads.

Since it’s been so hot lately, your family may want to tour the Reserve as the sun goes down during the Moonlight Bike Ride. This three-mile route is designed for families, so it’s not too strenuous.

During your ride, take a break and cool down with light refreshments at the Trail House. All-terrain or wide-tired bicycles are suggested since you will be traveling on gravel roads. The Moonlight Bike Ride happens on Saturday, July 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost, which includes admission, is $5 for adults and $3 for members. Children 12 and under are free. Helmet and bike headlights are required for all riders. Please reserve a spot by calling (636) 451-3512.

 Come back the next weekend for the Butterfly Ramble. The hot summer days of July and August are the best times to see the most butterflies in the area. Entomologist James Trager will show you some of the best butterfly habitats at the Shaw Nature Reserve. Your family will learn about butterfly’s relationships with their favorite flowers, their fascinating migrations and even their favorites foods. You’ll even learn about what happens to the butterflies that don’t migrate during the winter. The Butterfly Ramble takes places on Saturday, July 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is suitable for children ages 8 and above. The price is $10 per person for members and $12 for non-members. Advance registration is required. To sign up or to learn more information about these events, please visit Shaw Nature Reserve’s website.