On the east side of the area, eight parking lots (7 on the perimeter) allow easy access to woods, small lakes, and trailheads. These lots provide open areas for good birding in this densely wooded area. The camping area parking lot, with its stand of pines, is an excellent birding spot. See also the trails described below, particularly Schlosser Loop Trail. 

The area is at the south end of a north/south ridge surrounded by Mississippi River delta farmland. It is a natural migrant trap. Neotropic species, notably warblers, thrushes, and vireos, will rest here.

Expect a full array of Neotropic migrants during spring and fall migration. Twenty-five warbler species have been sighted here and another 8-10, such as Cape May and Mourning Warblers, are possible
for birders visiting during migration.

Summer residents include Prothonotary Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush near the largest lakes, Yellow-throated Warbler in pine stands, and Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Acadian Flycatcher in the deep, wooded hollows. 

In addition to permanent-resident woodland birds in winter, you can expect Hermit Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, kinglets, and a chance for Red-breasted Nuthatch in the pines.

All of the ponds and lakes on the area have steep wooded shorelines; therefore, they attract no shorebirds and only a few wading birds. The larger lakes will attract a few dabbling ducks during spring migration. 

About half-way between Cape Girardeau and Sikeston. 3 miles south of Benton on Highway 61 or 1.5 miles south of Oran on Highway 77. Additional access is provided by traveling 0.5 miles on County Park Road.

Hilly, wooded terrain with multiple ponds and lakes.  Named for a hero of the War of 1812 who is buried on the site. 

Two designated trails: Cemetery Ridge is a moderate 1.5-mile one-way through mature hardwoods. Schlosser Loop is an easy 1.5 trail through pines, hardwoods, open areas, and along pond dams. It may be the best birding spot on the conservation area.

The only access to the west side of the area is from a small parking lot on Highway 77. From there, a steep quarter-mile trail will connect you with a ridge top complex of service roads and trails for birding the best open land on the area. This part of the area is good for winter resident and migrant sparrows. Also, there is a signed, mowed path that takes you through the woods to the south side of Lookout Mountain Lake (the largest lake on the area). This quarter-mile path has been especially good birding for migrant warblers.