rockwoods reservation

Rockwood Reservation – 1,880 acres2751 Glencoe Rd.Wildwood, MO 63038Phone: 636-458-2236Missouri Department of Conservation websites:http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/st-louis/rockwoods-reservationhttp://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=5405This 1,880-acre area in Wildwood MO is the first conservation area purchased by the Conservation Commission. First settled and farmed in the early 1800’s, the land was purchased in the 1850’s by a lumber Company for extensive logging operations. After much of the timber had been removed, a mining company acquired the area in 1860’s to quarry the plentiful limestone, going bankrupt in 1938 when it was acquired by the state of Missouri. This is now a public space dedicated to the recovery of beautiful land subjected to logging and mining operations which ended 75 years ago. Much of the evidence of prior activity - especially mining - is evident and the site has a surreal quality of beauty emerging from abuses in the past. The land is allowed to recover naturally and the evidence of the past is slowly blending into the landscape. There are some jarring moments when you are walking through a beautiful woods with moss covered rock walls and suddenly realize that the rock wall is the remaining half of a huge limestone hill that was blasted away or what looks like a cave still has drill holes in the walls for excavation. The site is now managed for both wildlife diversity and human recreation and offers an ideal place to discover nature. There are picnic sites, restrooms, hiking trails, a staffed information center and educational programs are offered. Because this is a conservation area the trails and facilities might be less formal than you would find in a state park. If you are hiking in the warm months, spray for chiggers and ticks. The hiking trails are sometimes covered with leaves and can be slippery and/or muddy. Refer to the web sites above for full activity information, trail maps, etc.