- About Us
- News & Media
- Science
- Log In or use your:
Hi,
- Log Out
- My Nature Page
The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Missouri
Victoria Glade
Open to the Public
Yes
Things To Do
Hiking, bird watching, wild flower viewing, exploring. You may even be lucky enough to see a scorpion or a tarantula! View All
Plan Your Visit
Tips and guidelines for visiting this preserve. View All
Get Directions
This desert-like environment has an interesting array of wildlife not found elsewhere in Missouri and one of the world's largest populations of Fremont's leather flower.
Why You Should Visit
One of the few places on the planet to see Fremont's leather flower, Victoria Glade is rich with natural wonders and is only 30 miles south of St. Louis.
Location
Jefferson County, east of Hillsboro
Hours
Daylight
Size
101 acres
Conditions
The terrain is moderately difficult to hike, and the climate is very hot in the summer. June is the best time to visit. There are no designated trails. Please do not disturb flags and markers, which belong to several research projects conducted by the Conservancy and several university partners.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
This treeless and rocky preserve harbors a unique array of species including several that are generally more commonly found in the desert Southwest, rather than a few miles from the banks of the Mississippi River.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
We are using annual prescribed burns to eradicate the red cedars that infringe on the glade. Several research projects by local universities are on-going at Victoria Glade.
Photos
Exposed dolomite steps are a distinctive feature of Victoria Glade, and are easily spotted by visitors to the preserve.
Victoria Glade's unusual desert-like environment provides homes for scorpions, tarantulas, and black widow spiders.
Victoria Glade abounds with native flowering plants, including Indian Paintbrush.
Things To Do
What to See: Plants
In addition to Fremont's leather flower, flora here include more than 300 natural flowering plants including blue wild indigo, American aloe, Missouri Black-eyed Susan, blazing star and green milkweed.
What to See: Animals
The exposed dolomite and west- and south- facing slopes keep the glade hot and arid, creating perfect conditions for collared lizards, scorpions, tarantulas and black widow spiders.
Plan Your Visit
Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. Long pants and sleeves, hiking boots, hat and drinking water are recommended. During warm weather light color and light-weight clothing is suggested. Repellent, binoculars and field guide(s) are also worth bringing. Keep an eye out for black widow spiders.
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
Directions
- From the junction of Highway BB and Highway 21 in Hillsboro,
turn east onto Main Street. - After several hundred yards, the road ends. Turn to the right onto
Vreeland Rd., which becomes Victoria-Hillsboro Rd. Victoria Glade
is approximately 2.3 miles from the intersection of Main & Vreeland
on Victoria-Hillsboro Road. - Turn left into a small Missouri Department of Conservation/TNC parking area.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
Donate to The Nature Conservancy
When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy protect the most vital habitats on Earth.
