A virgin forest is found in a narrow gorge with deep soil near St. Francis River. Large basswood, butternut, Kentucky coffee tree, walnut, sugar maple, bitternut hickory, white and red oak apparently escaped timber cutting by its inaccessibility. The understory consists of American hornbeam, paw paw, and spicebush. Herbs such as hepatica, wild ginger, and ginseng, as well as many species of wild fern, grow in the dense woods. Among the plants that line the cherty slopes above the bluff are a number of rose azaleas, considered by many to be Missouri's most beautiful native shrub.
Big game consists of white-tailed deer and wild turkey.
Small game animals include squirrels, rabbits, and various other fur bearers. The diverse habitats accommodate may birds, ranging from hawks, owls, turkey vultures, and pileated woodpeckers to the smaller songbirds. Work Outdoors at GORP Jobs Click Here. All rights reserved. Privacy policy .