MDC

Red Maple Pond

In certain parts of Missouri a karst topography exists. This type of land surface is created as rainwater filters down through limestone or dolomite forming large caverns and caves. When too much rock dissolves, the cave's ceiling collapses and a sinkhole appears. Most sinkholes don't hold water, but Red Maple Pond is an exception to the rule. Also, Red Maple Pond's location is quite unusual. This pond swamp, dominated by red maple trees, is situated within the floodplain of an intermittent creek.

Pond Swamp

Pond Swamp at Red Maple Pond Natural Area

A pond swamp is a natural depression with poorly drained soils which hold shallow water for long periods during the year. In late summer or during drought, the depression may not hold water, but the deep soils of peat or muck never become completely dry.

In Red Maple Pond, two-feet-high hummocks are formed by the multi-trunk red maple trees that dominate the canopy. Hummocks are raised, drier mounds of humus found in a swamp, upon which grow a variety of plants. Among these are buttonbush, alder, St. John's-wort, sedges and wild azaleas. The deep muck soil base provides favorable growing conditions for manna grass, lizard's tail, royal fern, and spotted touch-me-not. Other rare flora may exist but the season when you visit and the preceding weather conditions will determine viewing opportunities.

Wildlife at Maple Pond

Upland sinkhole ponds occur on dry ridges and therefore are important oases for all wildlife. Around sunrise or sunset, you may see deer coming to drink. Watch and listen for wild turkey. Since most sinkhole ponds do not have fish, the waters are important breeding habitat for amphibians. Listen for frogs and toads calling and watch for salamanders. The water boatman may be seen under the still waters, and turtles can be found resting quietly near fallen trees.

Special Regulations

Camping, collecting of plants or animals, and vehicular traffic are prohibited. Enjoy all other recreational activities allowed on the National Forest.

Additional Natural Areas

You may wish to visit nearby natural areas on the same day. Listed below are Mark Twain National Forest, National Park Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation natural areas. For more information on a particular site, check ownership and contact the Forest Service District Ranger office, National Park Service - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, or the Department of Conservation Wildlife District Supervisor in the town listed.

• Haney Pond, USFS. Doniphan, MO
• Cowards Hollow, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Big Barren Creek, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Wells Branch Fen, USFS, Doniphan, MO
• Cupola Pond, USFS, Winona, MO
• Allred Lake, MDC, Poplar Bluff, MO

An 84-acre portion of the Mark Twain National Forest located southwest of Grandin in the SE1/4, SW1/4 of Section 32, T25N, R1E, Grandin 7.5 topographic map. Access is by foot from Hwy C. Designated August 29, 1989.

Natural Features

A pond swamp dominated by Drummond's red maple in the Lower Ozarks Section of the Ozark Natural Division. This is one of three pond swamps in the state, and the only one dominated by Drummond's red maple.

Map: 

Red maple Pond Natural Area