St. Louis is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, which and sits along one of America’s most active flyways for birds migrating north and south each year. There is a large variety of natural areas including state parks, conservation areas, sanctuaries, and city parks that provide a range of habitats including wetlands, open fields, and bottomland forests.
Read moreWorld Bird Sanctuary
The World Bird Sanctuary is a unique St. Louis attraction and an entertaining environmental education opportunity. With over 130-acres and 350 animals in their care, the WBS offers a wildlife experience that is one-of-a-kind.and is home to eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, vultures, parrots, mammals, and reptiles.
Read moreRockwoods Reservation
Rockwoods Reservation is a 1,880 acre state forest and wildlife conservation area in St. Louis County, Missouri. Rockwoods Reservation harbors a rich diversity of plant and animal life as well as springs, caves, and rock formations and the terrain is reminiscent of the Ozark hills. Visitors can discover Missouri's forests and wildlife on seven hiking trails of varying length and difficulty.
Read morePowder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is 112 acres of oak hickory forest with 3 trails, one of which has interpretive signs and is disabled accessible. The nature center has 2 levels of exhibits related to backyard wildlife and conservation practices in urban areas. Movies are shown every weekend in the 250-seat auditorium. Fish in the large aquarium are fed at 1 pm on Sundays.
Read moreJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Forest
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest consists of approximately 90 acres of varied habitat in the southwest corner of Forest Park. Of the 90 acres, 13 acres south of Wells Drive are what can be called an urban park habitat with mown grass and picnic areas. There are “islands” of forest south of Wells Drive and combined with the forested area north of this thoroughfare, there are approximately 68 acres of timberland. Interspersed along the northern edge of the forest is the oak savanna restoration project which encompasses nearly 9 acres of this rare and endangered habitat. Bicycle and hiking trails criss cross the area.
Read moreForest Park
Forest Park is one of St. Louis' most treasured resources and one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It is the home to the region’s major cultural institutions—the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and the Muny Opera. It also serves as a sports center for golf, tennis, baseball, bicycling, boating, fishing, handball, and ice-skating.
Read moreColumbia Bottom Conservation Area
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is in north St. Louis County. This 4,318-acre area includes a view of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, over 6.5 miles of river frontage, about 800 acres of bottomland forest and a 110-acre island. Public access facilities include roads, trails, a river access, and a viewing area at the confluence.
Read moreDr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Babler Memorial State Park was created in 1934 and is an on-going commemoration of a well-known St. Louis family. The CCC worked to develop the park by cutting roads through the hilly countryside and building scenic viewpoints, trails and covered shelters. This park features wildlife viewing, hiking and equestrian trails, camping, outdoor recreation, and the River Hills Visitor Center.
Read more