Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area

1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Center is a 1,071-acre property established in 1982 by the Missouri Conservation Department as its first nature center in the state.  The conservation area is named after Burr Oak Creek, a tributary of the Little Blue River, which, of course, was named after all of the burr oak timber along its path. 

Entrance to Burr Oak Woods with a variety of perennials along the walkway

Our Extension Master Gardener volunteers maintain the 1,000 sq foot native plant garden on the hillside at the entrance to the nature center.  The theme of the garden is prairie.  It features plants that do well in the prairie and home landscape and is two tiered: the lower is more ‘manicured’ while the upper has taller prairie natives

 During 2026, the schedule for horticultural education sessions at the Center is listed as follows:

  • March 28: NatureScaping and Native Plant Sale
  • April 4: Work & Learn Day. Topic "Spring Blooms" hike
  • May 2: Garden Work Day
  • June 6: Work & Learn Day. Topic TBD
  • July: No Work Day
  • August  1: Garden Work Day
  • September 5: Work & Learn Day. Topic TBD
  • October 2: Garden Work Day
  • November 7: Work & Learn Day. Topic TBD Potluck Lunch
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