Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods in Clinton County, Mo.

This 60-acre tract, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is a last stand of original woodland in northwest Missouri.

Trail Oak Leaf Trail at Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods
Overview
In Kansas City, and much of the Midwest, we’re grateful for even a few acres of woods. It’s where kids play in the creek and we might spot a deer or hear the “hoot” of an owl.
Beyond these patches, it’s hard to find extended forested areas in the Kansas City metro. Much of it has met the fate of the bulldozer and, before that, the plow or the farmer clearing land for grazing.
The wooded areas that exist are often a new generation of trees that has sprung up upon vacant fields or abandoned industrial areas. These “start from scratch” forests are often dominated by oaks, cedars and cottonwoods and lack the biodiversity of the original environment. They’re often called “scrub forest.”
But in a little corner of Kansas City’s north, a pocket of old growth forest remains. About 60 acres comprise Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods in Clinton County (north of Kearney, Mo.). Some of the trees here range from 160-180 years old. As you walk through this grove, there is indeed something different. There’s an absence of invasive species (no honeysuckle!), space between trees and room for the sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor. This property is owned by The Nature Conservancy and is a partnership between it, Missouri Parks and the Department of Natural Resources.
The Nature Conservancy has identified 200 native species in the area, which is known for its spring wildflowers. It’s also a premiere place to spot birds and other wildlife.
An early resident named Tomas Dockery wrote about what northwestern Missouri – including this area – was like in 1855: "For the timbered portions of the county, there was absolutely no brush. The trees were very massive and the ground underneath was covered with prairie grass. The massive trees, the prairie flowers and grass all combined to make this a truly beautiful and inviting country."
At Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods, it’s inviting you.

Length 1 mile loop.
Address and location Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods, 392 MO-116, Lathrop, Mo., 64465. Google Maps shows the trailhead as being on the south side of MO-116 – this is an error. The trailhead is on the north side. There is no parking lot, but there is a wide shoulder with enough room for about three vehicles. Look for this gate: