In the 1970, local citizens rallied to protect this unique 38 acre area. Luckily, Missouri Conservation Department had recently passed a 1/4 cent sales tax and the Nature Conservancy was still saving American Woodlands. In 1978 Maple Woods became the State's first Natural Area. It was set aside because of the unique combination of uncut hickory, bass, oak, old grow sugar maples. This stand, is said to be, the largest uncut stand of Sugar Maple west of the Mississippi. The understory is full of spring wild flowers and Paw Paw trees. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. In the 80's and 90's attempts were made to expand the area. These attempts all failed and the neighboring areas in question were developed. In 2003, 40 acres north of the Preserve was cleared, removing all the forest in that area, to create a new housing development. This multimillion dollar TIF project ultimately failed leaving a large empty eyesore where forest had been. The last attempt to expand came in 2007, and resulted in the 7 acre adjacent property being purchased by a private citizen who has no intentions to develop it and over 4,000$ being donated to help upkeep the area. As it sits now the last remaining unprotected parts of the several hundred acre forest are set for destruction. The large area (40 plus acres) across M-1 hwy is scheduled to be leveled and turned into town homes. The area between 152 hwy and the Preserve and beside the Community college all along the creek is set to be leveled for the completion of the aptly named Maple Woods Parkway. I suppose we shall see what the future holds fo this amazing area.
