Otter Slough
Otter Slough
As the explorers moved on, westward expansion and settlement followed. Agricultural development was inevitable, and wetlands were converted to croplands. During the 1960s and 1970s, much of the land on and around Otter Slough was cleared, drained and graded for crop farming, resulting in the decline of both resident and migratory wildlife. Of the estimated original 320,000 acres of wetlands that once existed in Stoddard County only 6,884 acres remain today.
Cyprus #2
Otter Slough is a small remnant of the former oxbow lakes and associated swamps that once were extensive throughout the Mississippi Lowlands prior to widespread artificial drainage efforts beginning in the late 19th century. Here you can catch a glimpse of what was once an amazing watery wilderness in Missouri’s southeast corner. Water tupelo and bald cypress dominate the trees in the swamp.
Cyprus #3
During the 1960s and 1970s, much of the land on and around Otter Slough was cleared, drained and graded for crop farming, resulting in the decline of both resident and migratory wildlife. Of the estimated original 320,000 acres of wetlands that once existed in Stoddard County only 6,884 acres remain today.
Otter Slough is now one of only a few examples of a cypress/tupelo swamp left in Missouri.
Cyprus #4
The New Madrid earthquakes of 1811and 1812 caused Otter Slough, Fish Slough, Lick Creek and the Glades Swamp to combine into the large wetland now visited by thousands of migrating waterfowl.
Cyprus #5
Otter Slough is now one of only a few examples of a cypress/tupelo swamp left in Missouri. The cypress swamp, open marsh, and flooded timber provide acorns, natural seeds, tubers, and invertebrates, all important waterfowl foods. Corn, wheat and sunflowers and other row crops are all used to maintain an open marsh condition and provide high energy food during winter months to sustain waterfowl during their long, migratory journeys. Duck numbers have reached 60,000 in the past. An average of 150,000 snow geese arrives annually with as many as 250,000 recorded in some years. Although the 4,886-acre area is managed primarily for migratory and wintering waterfowl, many wading birds, shorebirds, eagles, and wetland mammals make Otter Slough Conservation Area their home.
Landscape #2
A series of pools, ponds, and tributaries make up the landscape of Ottor Slough. This area makes for excellent photography.
Otter Slough Hiking Trail
One of several hiking trails are available in the area.
Boardwalk #1
Boardwalks enable visitors to walk among the slough and enjoy the diversity of want the area has to offer.
Landscape #3
Otter Slough Conservation Area west and south of Dexter on Rte ZZ.Due to the migration of waterfowl, Otter Slough is a favorite of hunters.
Signing Tree
Over the years visitors have left their mark although this type of mark is not healthy for the trees.
St. Francis River
The St. Francis River provides an interconnecting complex of sloughs which make up Ottor Slough Conservation Area. The St. Francis River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, in southeastern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas in the United States. The river drains a mostly rural area and forms part of the Missouri-Arkansas state line along the western side of the Missouri Bootheel.
In sharp contrast to the more western Ozark streams, the upper St. Francis cannot be called a “float” stream. It presents a challenge to the experienced canoeist. Due to its boulder strewn course, it can be run only during high or moderately high water; that is, in spring or after rather heavy rains. Both the St. Francis and its tributary, Big Creek, run a straighter course than float streams, through narrow defiles of resistant granitic Rock called shut-ins. Big Creek is floatable only in spring or early summer.
This was my first visit to Otter Slough Conservation Area which is west and south of Dexter on Rte ZZ. There are a series of ponds along this road and a lot of people come here to fish. There were snakes everywhere and it was the breeding season. The larger snake is the female.
Water Snake #2
The males will wrap around the females during the mating process. There were clusters like this in each pool. Otter Slough Conservation Area west and south of Dexter on Rte ZZ.
Water Snake #3
Sunning at Otter Slough Conservation Area.
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