April 21-23
MONPS 2023
Spring Field Trip
Join us near Camdenton, MO for the first state field trip of 2023 on April 21st-23rd. This weekend we will see natural communities that are characteristic of the Osage River Hills region which include dolomite glades, chert woodlands, old-growth oak woodlands and fens.
See details below and be sure to mark your calendars!
Friday Afternoon - April 21st
1:00PM
Rocky Top Trail, Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Located on the western side of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, this popular trail leads to one of the largest dolomite glades within the park. For the adventurous hiker, the trail leads on across a ravine to a lookout with a spectacular view of the lake.
Click for Detailed Directions from your area
Friday Evening - April 21st
7:00PM
Friday Night Speaker
Missouri Department of Conservation Office
Evening Speaker, TBA.
Saturday Morning - April 22nd
9:00AM
Niangua River Hills Natural Area within the Lead Mine Conservation Area
(Area Map)
Diverse glades and associated woodlands support a wealth of wildflowers throughout the season, including Gattinger’s goldenrod, Great Plains ladies’ tresses orchid, and blue hearts – all remnant dependent species.
Leave Sleep Inn and Suites at 8:00 AM
Click Here for Detailed Directions
Saturday - April 22nd
12:30 PM - Lunch Break
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Lake Shelter
Saturday Afternoon - April 22nd
1:30PM
Ha Ha Tonka State Park - Oak Woodland Natural Area
One of the best open oak woodland landscapes in Missouri that has been restored and managed with prescribed fire for over 20 years by State Parks staff. Gnarled old-age (150+ years) post, white and chinkapin oaks grow scattered over an open understory with a lush ground cover of native grasses, sedges, and forbs. In 1819 Henry Rowe Schoolcraft toured portions of the Missouri Ozarks and described a landscape of open oak woodlands as: “A tall, thick, and rank growth of wild grass, covers the whole country, in which the oaks are standing interspersed, like fruit trees in some well cultivated orchard, and giving to the scenery the most novel, pleasing and picturesque appearance.” A similar scene can be found today at Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland Natural Area.
Click Here for Detailed Directions
Saturday Evening - April 22nd
7:00PM
Board Meeting
Missouri Department of Conservation Office
Click Here for Detailed Directions
Sunday Morning - April 23rd
9:00AM
Coakley Hollow Fen, Lake of the Ozarks State Park
We’ll wrap up the weekend with a visit to Coakley Hollow Fen. This fen is located within the Ozark Caverns cave system and features native species of plants that are considered glacial relicts. A 1-mile long boardwalk will offer a pleasant stroll through the natural area that also showcases many Ozark karst features
Leave Sleep Inn and Suites 8:00 AM
Click Here for Detailed Directions
Lodging / Camping
Make your lodging reservations soon as it’s difficult for us to block rooms in advance.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park both offer camping.
There are additional hotels in Osage Beach and many area resorts are available as well.
Sleep Inn and Suites Lake of the Ozarks
(417) 326-6169
Book by April 14th to get the group rate of $137/night, HOWEVER booking online without the group rate may be cheaper.