STODDARD                       89 Beech Springs

Beech Springs Natural Area

A 35-acre portion of the Holly Ridge Conservation Area about three miles southeast of Bloomfield in the W1/2, SW1/4 of Section 32, T26N, R11E, Dexter 7.5 min. topographic map. Access is by foot from a gravel road west of the natural area. Designated December 4, 1981.

Natural Features--Several types of upland forest, springs, a small stream and a natural ephemeral pond in Crowleys Ridge Section of the Mississippi Lowlands Natural Division. The soils are loamy sand on the ridgetop and upper slopes, and deep silt loams on the lower slopes and along the creek. Black and post oaks, service berry and farkleberry are common on the sandy soils and red and white oak, sweet gum, tulip poplar, black walnut, American beech and hackberry occur in the more moist sites. This area is owned by the Department of Conservation. For further information contact the District Forester, Southeast Forest District, 2302 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, phone 573/290-5730.

Red Maple at Beech Springs Natural Area