Tanager Trails Ozarks Nature Reserve)

This 60-acre nature reserve is owned by the Ozark Rivers Chapter of the National Audubon Society. The Reserve is dedicated to education, with a commitment to habitat restoration and preservation. When completed, the Reserve will have over 4 miles of trail that will traverse 5 distinct ecosystems including a dolomite glade, tall-grass prairie, oak savannah, upland oak forest with 2 stands of shortleaf pine, and a spring-fed riparian zone. The trail system will originate at the parking lot and will be a self-directed tour, including “easel stops” for artists. These stops will be chosen for their beauty and uniqueness. They will include the spring-fed creek, the grove of century oak trees, the Jensen Pines, the prairie area and Rosemary’s Glade. Native plants, wildflowers and fall foliage will offer inspiration as well.

Our current projects are:

        1. Invasive exotic plant species eradication
        2. Trail maintenance and construction
        3. Cut, pile, burn cedar
        4. Glade maintenance
        5. Grassland development

Website: http://www.rollanet.org/~audubon/

Volunteer opportunities include:

        -Signs to direct users to trails and to identify plants
        -Maintain fences, kiosk, birdfeeders, Redbud Trail (sweep and cut back overhanging branches)
        -Assist Education Chair with nature programs
        -Build bird houses and install them
        -Walk the trails and keep them open

Contact: Connie Roberts, Volunteer Committee liaison