Ozark Rivers Audubon - Nature Center, Rolla Travel Guide

Nestled within the city limits of Rolla, Missouri, the Ozark Rivers Audubon Nature Center offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. This 70-acre reserve, stewarded by the Ozark Rivers Audubon Chapter, is dedicated to community education and the preservation of diverse habitats.The nature center boasts over 5 miles of trails that wind through five distinct ecosystems: a remnant prairie, a riparian zone, open woodlands, a savanna, and a pine forest with a dolomite glade. These trails offer visitors a chance to experience the unique flora and fauna of each environment. A handicap-accessible concrete trail provides easy access for all visitors.Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot some of the over 400 species of birds that live in or migrate through Missouri. The center's diverse habitats provide ample opportunities to observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife in their natural environment. In recent years, efforts to control invasive species and maintain the prairie have led to an increase in grassland bird species.The Ozark Rivers Audubon Chapter formed a planning committee in the early 2000s to develop a strategic plan for the nature center. Volunteers worked to clean up the property, remove debris, and establish the first trails. Since then, the center has continued to expand its trails, add interpretive signage, and enhance its facilities, including the addition of a pavilion in 2022.The nature center is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day and admission is free. Visitors are asked to follow posted rules, including keeping dogs leashed, cleaning up after pets, and refraining from smoking on the property.