Missouri Natural Areas

Discover some of Missouri's most scenic areas.
http://www.mdc.mo.gov

What would it be like to turn back the clock and take a glimpse at Missouri's landscape 100... even 200 hundred years ago.
That was the goal of the Missouri Natural Areas System when it was established in 1977.
It set out to protect the best examples of the state's original landscape in all its diverse forms.
as well as provide essential habitat for threatened animals and plants.
Having it in place is like having a picture of what the Missouri landscape once was.
Today, there are over 165 natural areas in the state.
Some contain native Missouri habitats that were once abundant, such as prairies, streams, limestone glades and oak-hickory forests.
Others contain rare or endangered species or unique features that have always been uncommon such as large springs, sinkhole ponds,and natural bridges.
Natural areas are living museums of our natural history... our state's crown jewels so to speak.
In Missouri, they include caves that provide roosts for endangered bats, prairie grassland reserves for our last flocks of prairie chickens, and deep rich canyons and glades home to rare flowers and plants.
Most natural areas are open to the public.
All natural features are protected and only foot traffic is permitted within these areas.
Some are scenic and accessible while others are remote and must be located with map and compass.
The Missouri Natural Areas system has made a good start toward preserving the natural features of the state, but much work remains to be done.
Many natural communities in the state are still not represented.
The program insures a future for Missouri forests, streams, marshes, prairies, glades, and a host of other natural communities and landscapes they belong to.
It guarantees that kids of the future will still be able to experience what Missouri once was.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Missouri
• Natural
• Areas
• missouri
• conservation
• outdoors
• nature

[mooutdoors]

@Jodougherty this is a place north of Columbia, MO called The Pinnacles. It is owned by the Boone County youth foundation.

mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/pla­ces-go/natural-areas/pinnacles

[Jodougherty]

where is the scene at 1:12 at? i would like to visit