Poosey area to showcase fall color and conservation on Sunday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting a special Fall Driving Tour on Sunday, Oct. 16, noon - 4 p.m., at the Poosey Conservation Area to showoff its mix of forests, fields and waters.

This will be the 25th year for the annual driving tour at the almost 5,900-acre area in northern Livingston County. The area is reached off Route U or Route A, about 13 miles northwest of Chillicothe.

“This year we will be celebrating the International Year of the Forests,” said MDC Resource Forester Phil Sneed. “Displays will highlight the importance of forests in our lives and the many benefits we receive from well managed forests. In addition, there will be information about the history of the community of Poosey.”

MDC staff members will also be present to answer questions and talk about natural resource management practices including prairie grass ecology, noxious weed eradication, fisheries and wildlife habitat management.

Gates will open for the self-guided driving tour at noon with the last cars allowed to begin the tour at 4 p.m.

The tour will begin at Pike’s Lake on the northeast side of the area. Visitors will drive through Poosey historic sites such as the “Panther’s Den.” Roads will be graded but high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The tour will take about one hour to complete without stops, but it’s recommended that visitors allow more time for stops, exploration and discussion.

The tour is a chance to enjoy vibrant fall foliage on an area that has more than 3,000 acres of woodlands. Poosey also has 235 acres with native prairie grasses, which also turn to colorful reds and golds in autumn.

For more information on the Poosey Area and maps, go to http://bit.ly/ok6dvo.