Bennett Spring Hanging Fen Natural Area
DALLAS 93 Bennett Spring Hanging Fen
Louisiana waterthrush
A 5-acre area within Bennett Spring State Park in Section 1, T34N, R18W, and Section 31, T35N, R17W, Bennett Spring 7.5 min. topographic map. Designated March 18, 1982.
Natural Features
Calcareous seep community in the Upper Ozarks Section of the Ozark Natural Division developed on a steep slope along the bluff above Bennett Spring Branch. The fen is permanently saturated by cool, mineralized ground water. Many unusual fen plants thrive in the rich, wet, peaty soils: swamp dogwood, boneset, umbrella grass, cowbane and swamp loosestrife. State park visitors wishing to visit this area should obtain information from the park naturalist beforehand due to the area's sensitive nature. The tract is owned by the Department of Natural Resources. For further information contact the Park Superintendent, Bennett Spring State Park, Brice Route, Lebanon, MO 65536, phone 417/532-4338.
