Plants and animals found at springs have adapted to the constant, cool temperature of the spring environment, and some species are restricted to single springs. Helton Prairie Natural Area Prairies are extensive grasslands with a great diversity of wildflowers, few shrubs and scattered trees. More than 15 million acres of Missouri's landscape was once prairie. Stegall Mountain Natural Area Savannas are open woodlands with open-grown trees. They have no understory.
Considerable light reaches the ground where many species of grasses and wildflowers grow.
Most natural areas are open for public visitation. The goal of MoNAC is to include the best examples of every remaining type of natural community and geologic feature in the natural areas system. MoNAC members are responsible for coordinating the classification, inventory, designation and stewardship of the state's natural areas. After areas have been located and their important features evaluated, MoNAC can consider official designation of the sites as natural areas. Private lands can also be considered with the owner's consent.