This summer, St. Louis residents and visitors are invited to embark on an adventure that celebrates the region’s natural beauty while introducing a lesser-known avian star. As the third annual Greenway Quest rolls on, participants can discover painted rocks depicting the vibrant summer tanager, a bird often overshadowed in this area by the cardinal but equally worthy of admiration.

The Greenway Quest, a treasure hunt spread across the 135 miles of greenways in St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, returned this summer with a fresh and colorful twist. Unlike past editions, which featured a variety of themes, this year’s quest revolves around the summer tanager — a bird known for its striking plumage that can range from fiery red to sunny yellow, or a blend of both.

“Once again, we’re excited to launch the Greenway Quest, and we hope even more people will join the hunt this year,” says Dallas Adams, communications manager at Great Rivers Greenway. “It’s not only a fun adventure for kids and families, but also a great way to find out more about the amazing summer tanager, which is native to our region but of course is not nearly as well-known as the cardinal. We hope to change that!”

(Great Rivers Greenway)

The quest invites participants to explore local greenways, searching for hand-painted rocks that feature the summer tanager. Those who find these rocks can take them home and log them at GreenwayQuest.com for a chance to win one of several prize packages, which include items from Greenway Goods, a collaborative program by Great Rivers Greenway that highlights local creators and businesses.

The Greenway Quest began on July 15 and lasts until the final rock is found. (As of August 1, about 200 tanager rocks remained on the trail.) As adventurers seek out these colorful tokens, they are encouraged to appreciate the diverse bird species along the paths and consider keeping a birdwatching journal. The greenways are not only a playground for treasure hunters but also an excellent venue for birdwatching. The region’s location along the Mississippi Flyway — a critical migratory route — makes it a prime spot for observing various bird species.

In fact, St. Louis is recognized by the Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area” due to its significant role in the migratory patterns of North American birds. Forbes magazine even ranked St. Louis as one of the five underrated cities for birding in 2022, citing its ideal habitats and strategic position along the Mississippi River.

“Just like we look for efficient routes and convenient rest stops on our summer road trips, these birds look for easy access to forests with plenty of food and shelter,” Adams notes. “Their beautiful colors and sweet song also make the summer tanager a real treat for greenway visitors.”

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, summer tanagers benefit the ecosystem by helping control insect populations and providing a natural pest control service during the summer months.

(Great Rivers Greenway)

To join the Greenway Quest, head to any of the greenways and search for the painted summer tanager rocks. Once found, log your discovery at GreenwayQuest.com to enter the prize drawing. Be sure to share your finds on social media by tagging @GreatRiversSTL. The rocks will be strategically placed along greenway edges or at designated trailheads — not on private property.

For those who find multiple rocks, Great Rivers Greenway encourages returning them to their original spots so others can enjoy the hunt. Remember, each participant is only eligible to win once.

For more information and to plan your quest, visit GreenwayQuest.com.

About Great Rivers Greenway
Great Rivers Greenway is the public agency connecting the St. Louis region with greenways, with 135 miles of paths built so far. St. Louisans decided to leave a legacy for future generations by connecting together some of the region’s best assets with a network of greenways, making it a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. With partners, the agency builds, cares for, and brings to life the network of greenways, creating healthy habitats and watersheds along the way. For more information, visit GreatRiversGreenway.org.

Top image: Courtesy of Great Rivers Greenway.