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Shaw Nature Reserve

Shaw Nature Reserve strives to inspire responsible stewardship of our environment through education, restoration and protection of natural habitats, and public enjoyment of the natural world."-mission of the Shaw Nature Reserve

At a Glance
Shaw Nature Reserve, a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, encompasses over 2,400 acres in what is considered the Ozark Corridor of Missouri. Visitors to the Nature Reserve can enjoy the 5-acre Whitmire Wildflower Garden where over 80 species of Missouri plants can be seen. There are over 17-miles of hiking trails, managed landscape showcasing Missouri flora thanks to the restoration staff, as well as opportunities for field-trips and classes for the public. The most unique characteristic of the Nature Reserve is the variety of  ecosystems such as reconstructed tallgrass prairie, wetland, glade, savanna, Meramec River, and woodland. 

In-depth View
The Ozark Corridor region encompasses some 13-percent of the state of Missouri. It divides the rolling prairie lands of northern Missouri from the southern Ozark Mountains. Due to this location, there is high diversity of plant and animal species in several different ecosystems. Students and general public enjoy studying all there is to see here. 

The Nature Reserve sits next to the historic Route 66 and Interstate 44 in northeastern Franklin County.

History
The Missouri Botanical Garden purchased 1,300 acres in 1925 which began the legacy of Shaw Nature Reserve. Originally set up as a safe refuge for the conifer and orchid collection from the smoke pollution of the 1920’s, its role in the community has evolved through the years to The Arboretum for the Garden to now Shaw Nature Reserve.  

Over the years, tens of thousands of school children and adults have learned more about nature and the environment by observation and through the guidance of Shaw Nature Reserve’s educational staff. Teachers themselves come to improve their teaching of ecological principles as well as to gain a greater appreciation of the natural world. The Dana Brown Overnight Center allows students to participate in programs both day and night. This unique center has 4 log cabins, a shower house, Assembly Building, and the Adlyne Freund Center. In recognition of its worth as an educational resource, the Nature Reserve was designated a National Environmental Education Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1972.

At the Nature Reserve, the reconstructed prairie evokes images of bison grazing as breezes ripple the sea of native grasses and forbs. Each spring, abundant woodlands burst forth with a multitude of native wildflowers while, later in the year, the same woodlands offer lush green shade, oases from the summer sun.

Wetlands, known for their splendid array of species, offer a close-up look at aquatic plant and animal life. Visitors to this special environment include great blue and little green herons, dragonflies and other fascinating creatures. The slopes, which are the watershed of the wetlands, are cloaked in flowery reconstructed prairie.

The many trails offer easy strolls and hikes that bring visitors in close contact with these habitats. One can explore for an hour or a day—the variety of trails offer many choices. Benches along the way provide resting spots for quiet meditation and observation of birds, butterflies and other wildlife as well as the seasonal parade of both flowering and non-flowering plants.

St. Louis is one of very few metropolitan regions that can boast of a 2,441-acre natural asset such as Shaw Nature Reserve so near its city-based parent organization, the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden.