Branches for the Lake promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging residents to “unplug and explore,” reducing screen time and increasing physical activity. B4TL facilitates various community projects and events that lead to increased physical activity and healthier community outcomes.

B4TL’s first initiative was helping to support the Magic Dragon Trails, which will enhance recreation, boost year-round commerce, and support an active transportation network. B4TL assisted in efforts to pay for a master plan of trail building projects in the Osage Beach area. See the plan here: (LOTO_MasterPlan_Reduced_City_Meet.pdf (dropbox.com)). The Magic Dragon Trails committee is continuing efforts to complete these projects.

We encourage you to get out and experience one of the master plan’s completed projects – the Bike Skills Park & Trail located next to the Osage Beach YMCA. It is free and available for the public to use.

B4TL also partners with MDT to host bike camps to teach kids how to ride a bike safely.

In collaboration with local businesses, B4TL organizes random drawings/giveaways to encourage the community to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Businesses sponsor a display where anyone can come in to enter for a chance to win items that support outdoor activities. Check our Facebook page Branches for the Lake for updates on locations where drawings are being held.

In 2024, Branches for the Lake was awarded a team from the National Civilian Community Corps to complete 14 miles of trail improvements at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The work was completed thanks to this partnership between the State Park, Branches for the Lake and NCCC. B4TL will continue to apply for this program to complete other trail improvement projects in the Lake area.