With over 18 miles of trails through 2,400 acres of diverse habitats, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Missouri’s natural landscape, enjoy spring wildflowers in bloom and explore the Nature Reserve’s unique history with the guidance of a local expert.
History of the Bascom House, Thursday, March 6th, 10a.m.–12p.m.
This picturesque red brick house was built in 1879 by former Confederate Colonel Thomas William Bouldin Crews. The two-story modified Italianate-Victorian home was the center of one of the five working farms purchased by the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1925. Learn about the people who lived here as we walk inside the home and around the perimeter. Discover how we restored and utilized new green building standards in the home and learn about the history of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden surrounding the building.
Cypress Slew Hike, Thursday, March 29th, 10a.m.–12p.m.
Join Shaw Nature Reserve's long-tenured education employee Rachel Weller for this 2-mile hike on the River Trail to Cypress Slew and back. This off-the-beaten path area was planted in the 1930s and passes by a recently abandoned bald eagle nest.
History of the Daffodils, Thursday, March 17th, 10a.m.–12p.m.
Come for a 1-mile walk on rolling terrain to view the thousands of daffodils blooming at Shaw Nature Reserve in late March and early April each year. Hear the history of how the plants came to be here, learn about our different varieties and how to grow them, and view the spectacular display.
The Nature Reserve will have more events and experiences scheduled throughout the year for those unable to join us in March. The Nature Reserve is also open for daytime visitation throughout the year for those looking to explore the area without a guide. Find out more at shawnature.org/events.
What’s in Bloom
Shaw Nature Reserve is home to the premiere Whitmire Wildflower Garden where visitors can see the wide variety of Missouri’s native wildflowers in bloom each spring. Those exploring the trails through the forests, prairies, wetlands and other habitats found at the Nature Reserve can also spot daffodils, bluebells, trillium, phlox and more.
