Current River Natural Area, Shannon County.

Description. Here, the white oak canopy trees covering the north-facing hillside have been aged at 300 to 400 years. Satterfield Hollow holds permanent water and within the natural area is a small fen. Located in the upper end of Satterfield Hollow, this small watershed empties into the Current River. The old-growth forest here is truly, one of the most impressive in Missouri.

The forest structure and character is reminiscent of the original and often talked about 'Big Woods' of Missouri. Core sampling in 1993 pointed out that the large white oak trees we see today originated beneath a closed canopy, demonstrating how historically our Ozark forests undergo slow natural regeneration, often under shaded conditions, with individual tees being replaced over hundreds of years.

Recognition. This site was visited by, and known to, many early Missouri conservationists including Dr. Julian Steyermark, then of the Missouri Botanical Garden, as well as to the founders of the Missouri Chapter, The Nature Conservancy. This was Missouri's first Natural Area, recognized by the Society of American Foresters in March of 1955. Recognizing its important contributions toward the study and research of our state's natural history as well its significant contributions to our conservation history.  In December, 1971 the area was designated as a Missouri Natural Area. It is owned by the L-A-D Foundation and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Directions to the Site. A remote location best reached from Bunker using The Sinks and Midridge topographic maps. From Highway 32 and Route P take the gravel road south to Midridge, continue south about 2 miles to a fork and turn left (east). You pass the Himont Trialhead on the left. Continue south on the main gravel road about 4-5 miles, turn right or west onto the ridge above Satterfield Hollow (known locally as the Tick-A-Chick-Ridge Road), then go about 1/2-mile. There is a woods trail on the right and you should be able to see a sign marking the Current River Natural Area just down the hill. You can park along the Tick-A-Chick Ridge Road and walk in.