Healthy Forests

Our Glorious Forests

Spring Creek Gap CA

Size: 1,819 acres

Location: 4 miles north of Vichy on Old Highway 63

Habitat types: This area is mostly forest and woodland.

Facilities and features: Primitive camping, picnic area and Spring Creek Gap Glades Natural Area.

Find more info: visit our online atlas

For a thrilling show of woodland wildflowers and wildlife, head to Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area in Maries County this month. The area’s steep dolomite glades (dry, rocky exposed areas) and forested ravines will be aflutter with wildflowers, butterflies and birds. Within the area, Spring Creek Gap Glades Natural Area features numerous glades, ranging in size from less than 1 acre to more than 10 acres. The majority of the forest is made up of oak and hickory. Visitors will notice evidence of prescribed fire, one of the primary tools area managers use to improve wildlife habitat and glade/woodland health. Although there are no designated trails, visitors will find good hiking on area access trails. Be sure to take a field guide to help you identify the many plants and animals that depend on the area for habitat.

Community Tree Care Grants

Applications for funding are due June 1.

Cooling shade and leaves that help generate the air we breathe are among the many reasons for communities to care for their forests. Get the funds to enhance or help start a tree-care project on public lands in your community from the Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) program. This cost-share program is administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the Missouri Community Forest Council. Deadline for application is June 1. Download the application at through the links listed below.

Don’t Move Firewood!

This one precaution can help protect Missouri’s ash trees.

The non-native emerald ash borer, a shiny green beetle was discovered at Wappapello Lake last July. It hides and travels in firewood, and it probably arrived at the lake’s campground in an unsuspecting camper’s bundle of firewood. To help contain Missouri’s emerald ash borer infestation, cut or buy firewood from local sources, and use it as close to its point of origin as possible. “If people knew how devastating this insect can be, they would never consider bringing firewood from out of state,” said MDC Forest Entomologist Rob Lawrence. You can learn more about how to control the spread of emerald ash borer by exploring the links listed below.