Healthy Forests

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From Missouri Conservationist: Oct 2008
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Our Glorious Forests

 Pickle Springs NA

  • Size of area: 180 acres
  • Location: Travel on Highway 32 northeast of Farmington 5 miles, then east on Route AA for 1.7 miles, and north on Dorlac Road for .25 mile.
  • Highlights: This forested tract is a Designated Natural Area featuring sandstone knobs, arches, canyons and cliffs.
  • Call for more info: (573) 290-5730

With its two -mile “Trail Through Time,” Pickle Springs Natural Area is a favorite with hikers. Fall is an especially good time for families to enjoy a self-guided nature hike through this unusual forest landscape. Children will love the creek, natural spring, abundant plants and many scenic views of sandstone cliffs, canyons, knobs and other “hoodoos”—fantastic rock formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Wooden signs throughout the area bear these features’ whimsical names, such as Double Arch, Terrapin Rock and Owl’s Den Bluff. Although this beautiful National Natural Landmark is great fun for people, it also serves as prime habitat for many of Missouri’s native forest plants and animals. Expect to see partridge berry, azalea, white oak, shortleaf pine, dogwood, serviceberry and cinnamon fern. Deer, squirrels and turkey are also abundant. This diverse natural area is truly one of the most glorious forests in Missouri.

State Logger Award

Larry Young takes prize for outstanding work.

“Excellent utilization of all material and careful consideration for aesthetics” ranked high among the reasons MDC gave Lawrence W. Young of Winona the prized State Logger of the Year Award for 2008. If your logging operation meets these criteria and you are current with the Professional Timber Harvesters training, contact a professional forester and have him or her look at your work. Your operation may be nominated for recognition in the near future. To learn more about the State Logger Award, see the links listed below.

We All Live in a Forest

Fall tourism generates millions in Missouri.

Fall brings more than a wealth of colors to Missouri’s landscape. The season of splendor also yields millions in rural tourism. The Missouri Department of Tourism estimates that in 2007 roughly 700,000 people traveled in Missouri during the months of September and October. These travelers reported rural sightseeing as an activity on their trip and spent approximately $44 million dollars. These figures mean that all Missourians have an economic stake in the health and beauty of our trees and forests. Whether you manage a few landscape trees or a family forest, you have access to the latest tree and forest health information and practices. Explore the links listed below to help you make the most of your landscape trees and forest resources.

This Issue's Staff

Editor In Chief - Ara Clark
Managing Editor - Nichole LeClair
Art Director - Cliff White
Writer/Editor - Tom Cwynar
Staff Writer - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Jim Low
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Designer - Stephanie Ruby
Artist - Dave Besenger
Artist - Mark Raithel
Circulation - Laura Scheuler