Paradoxa Chapter is based in Rolla. Our name refers to Echinacea paradoxa (yellow coneflower), the only member of the “purple coneflower” genus with yellow ray flowers, endemic to the Ozarks. Our goals are to improve our skill in identifying plants, from seedling through fruiting stages, as well as learning their habitats; to become more familiar with scientific names and botanical terminology; and to promote conservation of native plants. Our members vary in their levels of expertise, but all share a desire to learn. Currently, we schedule at least four botany walk-abouts during the year, with additional field trips, workshops, and programs as determined by the interests of our members. In addition, a group of us meet on Thursday mornings at Audubon Trails Nature Center in Rolla and walk the trail through woodland and prairie habitats, documenting species in bloom and population size.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 14, 10:00-11:30am. Moss Walk at Audubon Trails Nature Center, 550 Meriweather Court, Rolla. We’ll meet in the parking lot and then meander through the woods, taking a closer look at the many moss species that populate the Nature Center and sharing some moss terminology to help you learn what to look for to identify them. The walk will be along a well-maintained path with some elevation change. Bring a hand lens if you have one and/or smart phone.

Saturday, April 11, 10:00am-12:00 noon. Spring Ephemeral Walkabout at Pam & Jerry Barnabee’s property near Big Piney, about a one-hour drive from Rolla. We should see a variety of wildflowers in bloom: bluebells, rue anemone, bloodroot, etc. and hopefully Coville’s phacelia, an S1 (critically imperiled) species of conservation concern in Missouri. We will walk mostly along a gravel road, leaving the road at some points to walk into the woods. Contact Pam for directions.

For more information about events, or to be added to our email notification list, please contact Pam at the address below.

Contact Us
Pam Barnabee
paradoxarolla@gmail.com

Favorite Places
Audubon Trails Nature Center
Bohigian Conservation Area (Mill Creek)
Kaintuck Hollow Trail
Lane Spring Recreation Area
Maramec Spring Park
Marguerite Bray Conservation Area
St. James Park Glade (Plant List)
Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area