Our Glorious Forests
Woodson K. Woods CA
- Size: 5,661 acres
- Location: Southeast of St. James on Highway 8.
- Highlights: This area is mostly forest with access to Dry Fork Creek and the Meramec River.
- Find more info: visit our online atlas, keyword, "Woodson".
Thanks in part to its forest management, Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area is one of the most beautiful state-owned properties in Missouri. The area consists of 5,661 acres in Crawford and Phelps counties, where the Meramec River and Dry Fork Creek and their tributaries have cut scenic valleys through the area’s rugged Ozark hills. The area is managed to provide food, cover and water for wildlife and to maintain a healthy forest. Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, great blue herons, eagles, doves and many other wildlife species frequent the area, 80 percent of which is forested. Fishing opportunities abound. Anglers can pursue rainbow and brown trout in the cool waters of the Meramec River, as well as bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass and other warm-water species in the slow, murky waters of Dry Fork Creek. Start your tour of Missouri’s fall color with a visit to this glorious forest.
Arbor Day Contest
Fifth-grade teachers receive contest packets next month.
Time for Missouri’s fifth-graders to prepare for the 2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme is “Trees are Terrific … and Energy Wise!” Winners receive a $50 savings bond. Each school’s winning poster advances to the statewide competition, and the state winner advances to the national level. The state entry deadline is Feb. 11, 2010. Fifth-grade teachers can find more information listed below, or write Donna Baldwin at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or e-mail her at donna.baldwin@mdc.mo.gov.
Winter Tree Care
Key times to water your trees before and during winter.
A “typical” Missouri winter can deliver extremes in temperature and moisture. A good watering regime can help your trees and shrubs survive winter’s excesses. Starting in September, provide some water, but not too much, to stimulate late season growth. In October and November, after leaf drop on deciduous trees but before the ground freezes, water shrubs and trees deeply. Keep an eye on the weather, and if it turns warm and dry, consider watering your evergreens. This practice helps keep evergreen needles from drying out and turning brown. To protect trees against excessive snow and rain, do what you can to promote drainage, including avoiding mulching too deeply. For more tips on putting your landscape to bed for the winter, visit the links listed below.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Managing Editor - Nichole LeClair Terrill
Art Director - Cliff White
Writer/Editor - Tom Cwynar
Staff Writer - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Jim Low
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Designer - Stephanie Thurber
Artist - Dave Besenger
Artist - Mark Raithel
Circulation - Laura Scheuler