Franklin
Region
FIPS code
071
Westwood Tract
Forest, cropland, lake
Meramec Upland Forest
Points of Interest:
- Hike the Wilderness Trail through the hills of the natural area.
- Enjoy a variety of Ozark natural communities from dolomite glades to dry-mesic chert forest.
- Look and listen for a variety of forest and woodland songbirds.
Natural Features Description:
This area features mature and old second growth trees that mantle cherty hills above the Meramec River. On the south and west slopes post oak, black oak, and black hickory dominate the dry chert woodlands. Low bush blueberry is a common understory plant.
Meramec Mosaic
Points of Interest:
- Explore a wide range of natural communities supporting over 400 native plant species.
- See lush bottomland and slope forests and open dry glades and woodlands all in one hike.
- Enjoy the Meramec River – a globally important site for freshwater mussels.
Natural History:
This area includes a diverse assemblage of natural communities representative of the Meramec River Hills of the Ozark Highlands including woodlands, dolomite glades, fens, dolomite cliffs, upland and bottomland forests, caves, springs, Beaver Cree