Missouri Department of Conservation

About Natural Areas

Browse a number of topics about Missouri's natural areas and learn how you can help conserve them.

How You Can Help Our Missouri Natural Areas

Missouri natural areas need your help! Volunteers can assist natural area managers with a variety of tasks from removing invasive plants to monitoring bird populations. One of the best ways to do this is to become a Missouri Master Naturalist--a program in which you will learn about the natural resources and natural history of Missouri and have opportunities to volunteer on conservation projects. Call your local University of Missouri Extension office to ask about becoming a Missouri Master Naturalist.

Guidelines for Visiting a Natural Area

Natural areas are great places to discover nature. Whether your interest is in birds, plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, geology, or some other aspect of our state’s natural history, natural areas are great places to visit and observe nature.

Missouri Natural Areas Program

Download this booklet to learn more about Missouri's Natural Areas program.

Missouri's Ecological Geography

Missouri's natural areas are best understood and appreciated by knowing about the geographical context in which they occur. Deepen your understanding of Missouri's natural heritage by learning about our eco-regions.

The Missouri Natural Areas Committee

Since 1977 the Missouri Natural Areas Committee has worked to safeguard Missouri's special places for present and future generations.

Natural Areas Need You!

Missouri's natural areas need volunteers for a variety of conservation activities.

Natural Areas Technical Glossary

Some of the terms used in describing natural areas can be technical!  To aid in your understanding and appreciation of our state's natural history check out this glossary!

Natural Areas Stewardship

In many cases, it is no longer possible to protect natural areas merely by buying land. Most natural areas require ongoing restoration and management to maintain their ecological integrity.

What Are Natural Communities?

Learn about what natural communities are and which are the ones to see here in Missouri with this publication.

Why Are Natural Areas Important?

Natural areas are key elements in conserving our state's natural heritage for present and future generations.