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NATURE AREAS
CAS Nature Areas are managed in accordance with the mission of the National Audubon Society, “...to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife.” We encourage the use of the areas for nature study, education, and research. No hunting is allowed. All areas are open for use by chapter members and guests, and non-members may use the areas with permission of the CAS Nature Areas Committee.
Click here to open a printable brochure of the three wild areas.
Wild Haven Nature Area
Russell Nature Area
Albert Children's Wildlife Area
Wild Haven is a 103-acre nature area located northeast of Columbia along upper Hinkson Creek. The area includes a 64-acre tract donated by the late Lee Jenkins in 1983, with the remainder acquired with the assistance of the Boone County Trust. Wild Haven consists mainly of mature forest along a mile-long reach of Hinkson Creek. The area includes some high-quality natural habitats, including a small remnant prairie and sandstone glades, as well as a former Christmas tree plantation and two small ponds. Some areas are being managed to restore natural habitats, remove exotic plants, and establish habitat demonstration areas. This is an ideal location for field trips, outdoor classroom activities, and study of ecology and natural history. Wild Haven has an extensive trail system, and a picnic shelter and workshop are available. Wild Haven includes an area leased a local astronomy club and a rental residence; please respect their property and privacy.
Directions:
To get to Wild Haven, take Route B north of US 63. After crossing RR tracks (about 1 mile), turn right on Brown Station Road. Stay on this road through stop sign, then take first right turn onto O'Rear Road. Follow O'Rear until it turns to gravel, then look for the Wild Haven sign and gate on the right (about a mile from Brown Station).
Wild Haven flora and fauna inventory
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The newest addition to the CAS Nature Areas System is a 25-acre tract near Fairview Road in western Columbia that was donated by Garland and Peggy Lee Russell in 2000. The Russell Nature Area is located in west-central Columbia adjacent to several city parks, including a 90-acre tract recently donated to the city by the Russells. This beautiful area is a mixture of pasture, with large open-grown oaks, and mature forest. A small, spring-fed creek, Scott’s Branch, flows through the area. CAS is planning future activities on this area in conjunction with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, which will develop a new park and trail system on its adjacent properties.
Directions:
The newest addition to the CAS Nature Areas System is a 25-acre tract near Fairview Road in western Columbia that was donated by Garland and Peggy Lee Russell in 2000. This beautiful area is a mixture of pasture, with large open-grown oaks, and mature forest. A small, spring-fed creek, Scott’s Branch, flows through the area. CAS is planning future activities on this area in conjunction with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, which will develop a new park on an adjacent 90-acre tract donated by the Russells. The development of these areas presents CAS, Audubon Missouri, and the City of Columbia with a great opportunity to preserve high-quality wildlife habitat in an urban setting and to use the accessibility and high visibility of this area to promote the Audubon mission.
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Albert Children's Wildlife Area
Vernon Barr and Paul Albert installing the new sign at
the Albert Children's Wildlife Area
The Albert area consists of 78 acres northeast of Columbia along Cedar Creek. The property was donated to CAS by Paul Albert 1972. The area originally consistent entirely of reclaimed coal strip mines, but much of the area (and large areas on adjacent properties) was successfully reclaimed during the 1990s by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These areas were re-graded, limed, fertilized and seeded with native grasses and trees. CAS manages the grassland is managed by periodic prescribed burns. The result is an open landscape of prairie and wetlands that attracts many species of wildlife that require open habitats. Other habitats include vegetated mine spoils, riparian forest along Cedar Creek, and several ponds.
Directions:
The Albert Area is located about ten miles northeast of Columbia, along Cedar Creek. From the intersection of Route Z and Route HH (at the ‘town’ of Murry), turn east on Rob Cook Road, then take the first right on Zaring Road. Follow Zaring Rd 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 CAS Board or Nature Areas Committee to arrange to have the gates opened.
Paul Albert also donated the C. M. Albert Area, 7 acres of natural vegetation on steep Missouri River hills southwest of Columbia. Access to this area is difficult; contact committee members for more information.
Contacts: Harold Anderson (andersonka@centurytel.net)
and John Besser (jbesser@centurytel.net),
CAS Nature Areas Committee.
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