Fall color and conservation driving tour on tap at MDC Poosey CA

Chillicothe, Mo. -- Scarlet and gold colors are splashed across the woods. Wildlife is on the move. On Sunday, Oct. 21, the 26th annual fall driving tour through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Poosey Conservation Area (CA) will offer a backwoods tour of foliage and educational stops along the route devoted to conservation.

MDC is celebrating 75 years serving people and nature, and the fall driving tour at Poosey CA is a community tradition. Visitors will drive along a designated route through the 5,900-acre area in northern Livingston County. Gates will open at noon and the last cars will be allowed through at 4 p.m.

Pike’s Lake on the northeast side is the tour starting point. Visitors will drive through the historic Poosey CA and visit landmarks such as the “Panther’s Den.” Displays at stops along the route will highlight MDC history and the contributions made by citizens and resource professionals for fish, forest and wildlife conservation. Among the topics will be prairie ecology, noxious weed eradication, forest management, fisheries and wildlife habitat management.

Roads are graded and mostly graveled for easy travel. However, four-wheel-drive and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The tour will take about an hour to complete, but allow more time for stops and discussion.

Feel free to take time to walk in the woods, too. Missouri’s conservation areas are for people to enjoy.

For more information, contact MDC Resource Forester Phil Sneed at 660-646-6122. Information about Poosey CA and maps are available at mdc.mo.gov.