Welcome to Wildcat Glades Nature Group
Protecting Missouri’s Unique Natural Heritage
Nestled where streams wind through stone outcrops and the gentle rustle of prairie grasses meets the chorus of native wildlife; Wildcat Glades stands as one of Missouri’s rarest and most remarkable landscapes. At the heart of this natural treasure lies the Wildcat Glades Nature Group—a passionate community dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the chert glades and the extraordinary ecosystems that flourish here.
Who We Are
The Wildcat Glades Nature Group is a coalition of individuals, families, and community partners united by a love for nature and a shared commitment to conservation. Focused especially on the preservation of the chert glades—a globally rare habitat found in only a handful of locations—the group serves as a steward of the land and a hub for environmental education, volunteerism, and outdoor adventure.
Our members come from all walks of life, from seasoned botanists to families with young children, and from local students to retirees rediscovering the joys of wild places. What unites us is a belief in the power of hands-on action, education, and community engagement to make a lasting impact on the natural environment.
Our Mission
At the core of the Wildcat Glades Nature Group’s mission is a simple, inspiring goal: to conserve, restore, and connect people to the unique beauty and biodiversity of Wildcat Glades. By fostering a sense of stewardship and encouraging lifelong learning, we strive to ensure that these lands remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
What We Do
- Conservation and Habitat Restoration: Our volunteers and staff work tirelessly to restore native plant communities, remove invasive species, and protect the delicate balance of the chert glades ecosystem. Through careful monitoring and targeted habitat management, we help native plants and wildlife thrive.
- Environmental Education: We believe that knowledge is the first step toward stewardship. The Nature Group offers a wide range of workshops, interpretive programs, and guided hikes designed to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster an appreciation for Missouri’s natural heritage.
- Community Engagement: From family-friendly nature walks to hands-on service projects, we invite people of all ages to get involved. Whether you’re volunteering for a day or joining one of our ongoing initiatives, your support directly benefits the glades and the broader community.
- Trail Maintenance and Outdoor Recreation: Our Tuesday Crew is a dedicated team of volunteers who meet every week to clear trails, restore natural beauty, and ensure that Wildcat Glades remains accessible, safe, and welcoming to all visitors. Tools, training, and plenty of encouragement are always provided—just bring your enthusiasm!
Why Are Chert Glades Special?
Chert glades are a unique geological and ecological phenomenon, characterized by thin, rocky soils and sun-drenched open spaces scattered with native wildflowers, grasses, and rare wildlife. These ancient glades are remnants of a landscape that once covered much of the Ozarks, now preserved in only a few precious locations like Wildcat Glades.
Because of their specialized habitat, chert glades support a dazzling array of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. From brilliant wildflowers in spring to the quick dart of a lizard across sun-warmed rocks, every visit holds the promise of discovery. By protecting the glades, we are safeguarding not only a natural wonder but also a living classroom for science, art, and recreation.
86. Travel south through the traffic circle, to Riviera Drive and turn west into the area. Follow along Riviera Drive. The Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is on the left. Continue past the Center. Wildcat Village is the next drive on the left.
the base of the park. The Pavilion is next to Shoal Creek on the left.
Street) two blocks; at the roundabout go west (right) on Glendale Road 1.5 miles; south (left) on Jackson across the low-water bridge; west (right) on Riverside Drive two miles; and Grand Falls is on the right.
