Oval Lake
Marsh Community at Oval Lake Natural Area
Points of Interest:
- Catch glimpses of migrating waterfowl and sora rails in the spring.
- Listen to a variety of amphibians calling at dusk in spring and summer.
Natural Features Description: Oval Lake was originally carved out by the Mississippi River when the river was free to meander across its floodplain. This seasonally flooded floodplain lake was noted on the original land survey records for this area from 1816. River bulrush, American lotus, rose mallow and water hemlock have been noted to occur here during wet years. The wetland provides habitat for amphibians and migratory waterbirds and waterfowl.
This natural area is within the Ted Shanks Conservation Area. From Louisiana, Missouri, take Highway 79 north and then turn right (east) on Highway TT. Continue on TT past Ashburn, over the railroad tracks, and to the area headquarters. From the area headquarters you will take area gravel roads to reach the parking lot near the natural area. Use a map of Ted Shanks Conservation Area to help you navigate to the natural area. Hunting and fishing are permitted.
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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
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