Guided Hike of the Tallgrass Savanna of Union Ridge Conservation Area and Natural Area near Kirksville

Join a guided hike led by Mike Leahy, MPF technical advisor and ecologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, to the largest and most intact tallgrass savanna in Missouri. The hike will take place at Union Ridge Conservation Area and the Spring Creek Ranch Natural Area in northeastern Missouri. Enjoy the autumnal hues of the native grasses, vibrant asters, and goldenrods across this scenic landscape of rolling hills dotted with native oaks and hickories. This is one of the last and best places to see a great example of northern Missouri’s once expansive oak savannas. The mix of plant species includes both typical tallgrass prairie species such as showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) and more uncommon species such as cream gentian (Gentiana alba).

The hike will occur primarily off trail. Be prepared to walk on uneven terrain with moderate slopes. Dress for the outdoors (including protection from ticks and chiggers!) and bring water and sun protection. We’ll break for a tailgate lunch. Bring a sack lunch and drinking water.

Due to the closure of the Highway 6 bridge over the Chariton River west of Kirksville, please see the revised meeting place, time, and directions below:

• Meet by 9:15 am at the Missouri Department of Conservation regional office just south of Kirksville(on Business 63/S Baltimore St), located at 3500 South Baltimore St, Kirksville, MO 63501 (https://goo.gl/maps/sMBhBiFX4RUrzpQk7).
• We will carpool/caravan from the Conservation Department regional office leaving at 9:25 am for the field trip site.
• From the Conservation Department office in Kirksville we will proceed as follows:

Head south on US-63 Business/S Baltimore St for 0.9 mile. Then turn right (west) onto Highway 11. Head west on Highway 11 for 7.9 miles. Then turn right (north) onto Highway K. Head north on Highway K for 8.7 miles. Then turn left (west) onto Highway 6/149. Head west on Highway 6 for 9.4 miles. Then turn right (north) onto Highway D in the town of Greencastle. Head north on Highway D for 2.8 miles. Turn left (west) into the gravel parking lot on Union Ridge Conservation Area. This is known as parking lot J on the Union Ridge Conservation Area map. Google Maps Link of above directions: https://goo.gl/maps/sPuBebh6iv5gPmcv5

• The hike will leave from the J parking lot heading north into the conservation area by 10:15 am.

Cost: Free. Participants: minimum 10, maximum 25. Register here. Questions? Contact outreach@moprairie.org.

Note: Hike will be held rain or shine. If storms/lightning is predicted, MPF will contact registrants in the event we need to reschedule.

For those who are part of the Grow Native! Professional Certification Program (GNPCP), this hike counts as 4 CEUs.

Photo of Union Ridge Conservation Area courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation