Big Spring Pines Natural Area
CARTER 157 Big Spring Pines
Pine (Pinus echniata)
Heartleaf Plaintain (Plantago cordata)
A 345-acre area within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Sections 6, 7 and 12, T26N, R1E, Big Spring and Van Buren South 7.5 topographic maps. Access is via Hwys 103 and Z south of Van Buren. Designated January 29, 1993.
Natural Features
Big Spring Pines is one of the most outstanding pine-oak forests in the Lower Ozarks Section. Shortleaf pine and scarlet and white oaks dominate the canopy, while sassafras, black cherry, flowering dogwood and black gum occur in the mid-canopy. The forest floor is rich with sedges, grasses and wildflowers. Several small springs in Chub Hollow maintain the rare heart-leaf plantain and petaltail stonefly. The area is closed to camping, hunting, picnicking and open fires. For further information contact the Park Superintendent, National Park Service, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63935, phone 573/323-4236.
