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The Nature Conservancy in Missouri Home Contact Places We Protect Field Trips & Events Press Releases Volunteer Ways of Giving |
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Victoria Glade
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This area is an oasis of natural beauty just south of St. Louis. This desert-like environment is 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 the 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.
How to Prepare for 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.
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
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.
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.
