Conservation Area Near Eureka Gets Help With Fence

Operation Wild Lands (OWLs) volunteers from Eureka and the St. Louis area recently assisted with removing more than 1,000 linear feet of unsightly split rail fencing at the Hilda Young Conservation Area—an area consisting of 970 acres of mostly forested land, located south of Eureka. The area has two trails for hiking, a pond for fishing as well as breath-taking scenery throughout its stretch and prairies. LaBarque Creek, a permanent stream running along the northern portion of the area, is known for its high quality riparian ecosystem.

The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region created OWLs to facilitate ongoing wildlife habitat improvements, which include area clean-ups, trail development and maintenance, invasive species removal, native plant revegetation, tree planting and educational trips. 

Hilda Young Conservation Area was acquired by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1986; portions were donated. A total of 35 volunteers recently helped remove the old split rail fencing and posts there. 

Spring OWLs events, which will be focused on trail building, litter removals and tree plantings, will take place on:

• Feb. 1
• Feb. 23
• March 16

Those who are interested in helping can call 636-451-6090 or 314-835-9225 for spring event details.

Register for the free Eureka-Wildwood Patch morning newsletter for news about these type of events.

Open Space staffers also are hosting a fundraising event on Jan. 20, which is called the Magnificent Missouri Dinner Series. It is the second of a five-dinner series sponsored by Magnificent Missouri to celebrate Missouri’s food history and support conservation. The Open Space Council is a conservation partner and benefactor of Magnificent Missouri events.

The meal on Jan. 20 will be held at the Jewel Box in St. Louis' Forest Park. Kevin Wilmann, of Farmhaus Restaurant, will be the guest chef.