Outdoor Science and Learning

The Mark Twain National Forest is in the mostly rural part of Missouri commonly referred to as “the Ozarks.” Parts of the national forest are within an hour’s drive of the urban centers of St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia and the tourist town of Branson. Small towns dot the primarily hilly and forested landscape.

Among it's many wonders are the numerous sunshine filled glades and sparkling blue springs. Thriving with wildlife, wildflowers, and wild places there are ample opportunities for visitors to experience the raw beauty of nature.

Viewing Wildlife

The Mark Twain National Forest, situated in the ancient and beautiful Missouri Ozarks, is home to over 650 native wildlife species. These include almost 200 kinds of fish, over 100 different amphibians and reptiles, over 300 breeds of birds, and around 60 types of mammals.

The far-flung locations of our Ranger Districts make it possible to encounter a surprising variety of animals. In the southwest part of the state (Ava and Cassville units) you might catch sight of a roadrunner or painted bunting; in the southeast part of the state (Poplar Bluff unit) you might see wood ducks or bald eagles; and in any part of the Forest you might glimpse wild turkeys, deer, a variety of songbirds, and perhaps even a black bear!

Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species

There are many different types of species in the U.S. from the very large to the very small. Some of these species, because of limitations due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, or other environmental factors, are in danger of becoming extinct. These species are known as federally endangered or threatened species. The Mark Twain National Forest has potential habitat for 14 federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Missouri. Read more about Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species.

Wildlife Watching

The Mark Twain National Forest offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife watching and nature study. You can watch wildlife as you camp, fish, hike, canoe, or drive through the Forest. Or you can make a special trip to see that elusive animal you have always wanted to see.

You can find opportunities for wildlife watching across the state on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

National Park Service - Smart Wildlife Watching
NatureWatch
If you can’t get out, but still enjoy wildlife viewing, please visit the USDA Forest Service’s Find A Photo site.
Interested in wildlife photography? Check out our Wildlife Photography tips.

Birding

The best time for birding on the Mark Twain is in the spring when migrants are coming through and resident birds are breeding and raising young. However, all times of the year offer excellent birding opportunities.

Here is a Checklist for Birdwatchers or visit the MDC Birding Field Guide for a list of Missouri bird species.

Butterflies and Moths

These beautiful animals play a vital role in pollinating plants which we use for food, clothing, medicine, and many other purposes. Once you start watching these fascinating creatures, you may get hooked!

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation Butterflies and Moths Field Guide for a list, with photographs, of all the butterflies and moths you may see in Missouri.

To learn more about pollinators of all species, please visit: Celebrating Wildflowers website or our Pollinators website to learn more about all types of pollinators.

Viewing Plants

Although the Mark Twain National Forest is known for its extensive stands of shortleaf pine, oaks and hickories, this landscape is also home to a wide variety of other ecosystems ranging from the balds near Ava and Cassville, to the hills of the Current River country, the bottomland hardwood forests near Poplar Bluff and the igneous domes of the St. Francois Mountains.

Within this wide and varied landscape there exists a diverse array of plants. Of the roughly 2800 species of plant in Missouri, about two-thirds can be found on the Forest.

While most can be found commonly throughout the Forest, less common species can be found in specific natural communities such as calcareous fens, acid seeps, and glades (limestone, dolomite and igneous). Spring wildflowers are especially showy in the Missouri Ozarks, and a hike in riparian forests in March and April will lead the visitor to many beautiful displays of wildflowers. One of the best areas to see spring wildflowers is along the Greer Spring Trail near Alton, on the Eleven Point Ranger District. The glades near Ava and Cassville are a good place for wildflower viewing, and a drive along the Glade Top Trail on the Ava Unit in June and July will lead the visitor to many fine views of not only wildflowers, but also the hills and balds that are famous in this region.

Native
Non-Native
Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species

Viewing Scenery

Whether you are hiking the Ozark Trail, paddling one of the many wild and scenic rivers on the forest, stopping along the Glade Top National Scenic Byway, or just enjoying one of our many recreation sites there is no end to the beauty of Missouri.