Largely composed of dry and dry-mesic chert forest, the area also has easily accessed dolomite glades, a remnant dolomite savanna, steep limestone bluffs and approximately 256 acres of bottomland fields. In addition to access by road, several trails through woods and open areas, often past wildlife watering holes, offer a broad spectrum of opportunities to birders searching for residents or migrants.

The southern block of the area extends west across the Little Niangua River via CR 96. Watch and listen at the banks and on the low water crossing.

This is an extremely underbirded area with great potential. Visits have been concentrated in May and June, with a few more in August and autumn. More than half the weeks of the year remain blank on the bar chart at this writing.

The potential is reflected in the 130 species found in such limited effort. Bobwhite and turkey are likely any trip. Black-billed Cuckoo joins Yellow-billed on the list. A good mix of raptors can be expected. Black Vulture may appear as well as the ubiquitous Turkey Vulture.

Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper and Belted Kingfisher occur, as well as Great Egret, Green and Great Blue herons. All Missouri expected woodpeckers have been recorded. In migration and/or nesting season an excellent array of flycatchers, swallows and vireos can be expected.

Ten species of sparrow have been found, including Henslow’s in late June. The impressive list of 23 species of warblers includes a range of breeders with specific habitat preferences including Cerulean, Prairie, Blue-winged, Prothonotary and Louisiana Waterthrush.

In Hickory County from 2.5 miles east of Preston on US 54, take Rt. F north, then gravel CR 96 east to the southern unit or continue on US 54 and take Rt. P east to the northern tract. A small tract along an oxbow of the Little Niangua River between the two larger portions is not accessible by public road.

A short trail uphill on the west side near the south end of the camping area with the pit toilet goes through woods and onto an old field open area beyond the gate meant to exclude vehicles, not walkers.