Shaw Nature Reserve
Encyclopedia
Shaw Nature Reserve, formerly known as Shaw Arboretum, is a 2400 acres (9.7 km²) private nature reserve
located in Gray Summit, Missouri
, that is run by the Missouri Botanical Garden
as an extension.
The area was opened in 1925 when pollution from coal smoke in St. Louis
threatened the garden's live plant collection, especially the orchid collection. The orchids were moved in 1926, but the pollution in St. Louis decreased with waning use of coal for heat, making it unnecessary to move the rest of the live plant collection. It is currently dedicated to environmental education, to the maintenance and restoration of the region's native flora and fauna, and to public enjoyment of the natural world.
The nature reserve has several historic homes (including the Joseph H. Bascom House), a large prairie
, and a large wetland blind from which heron
s can be observed. Over 14 miles (23 km) of hiking
trails run through the reserve. In addition, wheelchair-accessible trails and scenic route
s run through the reserve.
Shaw Nature Reserve is open year round from 7a.m. till sunset. Visitor Center hours are 8 to 4:30 on weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends. Shaw Nature Reserve is open to hikers every day, but the Visitor Center is closed on some major holidays. No pets are allowed on the grounds. No reservations are required except in the case of an organized tour and for those wishing to participate in an education program.
Nature reserve
A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...
located in Gray Summit, Missouri
Gray Summit, Missouri
Gray Summit is a census-designated place in Franklin County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,640 at the 2000 census. Also called Gray's Summit, it was founded by Daniel Gray of New York who built a hotel here in 1845. This community was the highest point on the Missouri Pacific...
, that is run by the Missouri Botanical Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is also known informally as Shaw's Garden for founder Henry Shaw, a botanist and philanthropist.-History:...
as an extension.
The area was opened in 1925 when pollution from coal smoke in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
threatened the garden's live plant collection, especially the orchid collection. The orchids were moved in 1926, but the pollution in St. Louis decreased with waning use of coal for heat, making it unnecessary to move the rest of the live plant collection. It is currently dedicated to environmental education, to the maintenance and restoration of the region's native flora and fauna, and to public enjoyment of the natural world.
The nature reserve has several historic homes (including the Joseph H. Bascom House), a large prairie
Prairie
Prairies are considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists, based on similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and grasses, herbs, and shrubs, rather than trees, as the dominant vegetation type...
, and a large wetland blind from which heron
Heron
The herons are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae. There are 64 recognised species in this family. Some are called "egrets" or "bitterns" instead of "heron"....
s can be observed. Over 14 miles (23 km) of hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trails run through the reserve. In addition, wheelchair-accessible trails and scenic route
Scenic route
A scenic route, tourist road, tourist route, theme route, or scenic byway is a specially designated road or waterway that travels through an area of natural or cultural beauty...
s run through the reserve.
Shaw Nature Reserve is open year round from 7a.m. till sunset. Visitor Center hours are 8 to 4:30 on weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends. Shaw Nature Reserve is open to hikers every day, but the Visitor Center is closed on some major holidays. No pets are allowed on the grounds. No reservations are required except in the case of an organized tour and for those wishing to participate in an education program.