About the Area
This 78-acre area lies along Cedar Creek northeast of Columbia. The site originally consisted entirely of coal strip mines but was reclaimed during the 1990s by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Areas were regraded, limed, fertilized, and seeded with native grasses and trees. Columbia Audubon Society manages the grassland with periodic prescribed burns. The result is a mixed landscape of grassland and wetlands that attracts species of wildlife that require open habitats, like many grassland birds. Listen for grasshopper sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, and other prairie sparrows. American kestrel and eastern meadowlark are common sights along the power lines and fence posts. Other habitats include riparian forest along Cedar Creek and several ponds. The riparian areas attract Louisiana waterthrush and sometimes foraging black-crowned night heron. The occasional dabbling duck or snow goose winds up at the small ponds scattered on the area as well.
The Albert Area is located about 10 miles northeast of Columbia along Cedar Creek. From the intersection of Route Z and Route HH, turn east on Rob Cook Road, then take the first right on Zaring Road. Follow Zaring Road south and then east until you reach a gated drive on the right just before a low-water bridge. This drive (shared with a neighboring landowner) follows the west boundary of the Albert Area until it reaches a second gate, which leads to the interior of the property. These gates are normally locked. Visitors can park along Zaring Road and access the area by foot or contact members of the Columbia Audubon Society Board or Nature Areas Committee to arrange to have the gates opened.
Dining and lodging are available in nearby Columbia. While Columbia offers the typical chain restaurants, there are many local favorites as well. For its size, Columbia hosts many art museums and theaters, adding a great splash of culture to the area. Residents will also be familiar with the MKT bike trail, a spur of the larger Katy Trail, which allows foot and bike traffic across the city. Many beautiful parks scattered throughout the city offer birding opportunities in their own right.