About the Area
The 3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands was a massive collaboration among many conservation organizations aimed at creating an urban wildlife area and transforming a former wastewater treatment facility into a functional wetland. Wetland plants immediately began to colonize the area following the restoration, without being planted! The 3M wetlands provide a unique opportunity to view wetland-dependent wildlife in an urban setting. With more than 150 bird species spotted on the area, the success of the restoration is apparent. The treatment facility’s pump house was converted into a viewing blind overlooking the wetlands.
This area is a great place to look for migrating marsh birds, including sora, Virginia rail, American bittern, least bittern, and little blue heron. Uncommon waterfowl are also possible to find on the area, including Ross’s geese and cackling Canada geese. While you are visiting 3M, you may as well visit other natural areas along the MKT Trail, a spur of the larger Katy Trail, including the Forum Nature Area, Hinkson Woods Conservation Area, and the Grindstone Nature Area.
Park at the lot at 2701 Forum Blvd in Columbia. Follow the signs along the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail to the wetland area.
Continuing along the MKT Trail, you will find the Twin Lakes Recreation Area as well as the three areas mentioned above. Dining and lodging are available in nearby Columbia. Columbia offers the typical chain restaurants as well as many local favorites. For its size, Columbia hosts many art museums and theaters, adding a splash of culture to central Missouri. Many beautiful parks are also scattered throughout the city and offer birding opportunities in their own right.