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Big Sugar Creek State Park
Big Sugar Creek State Park is located in southwest Missouri. Located near the Oklahoma border, Big Sugar Creek has flora and fauna not seen in other parts of Missouri.
Location
Big Sugar Creek State Park is located in southwest Missouri, 15 minutes from I-49 near Pineville, MO. It is close to both the Oklahoma and Arkansas borders.
Ozark Chinquapin Trail
The Ozark Chinquapin Trail follows the path of a small stream, with steep hills on both sides. It then goes up into the woods, where there are great views of the Elk River. Be mindful of when you go, and the amount of rain, since you will have to cross the stream bed to complete the trail. The Ozark Chinquapin Trail is about 3 miles long, and inclues some steep climbs.
Plants
Ozark Chinquapin Tree
The Ozark Chinquapin is a species of chestnut tree. It is closely related to the American Chestnut, but is distinctly smaller, with smaller nuts and leaves. Once widespread throughout the Ozarks, it has now all but disappeared due to the Chestnut blight that almost wiped out American Chestnuts.
Low Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus is native to the deserts of the Southwest, it grows up to two feet tall.
Mock orange
Named for its flowers, that look and smeel like the flowers of an orange tree. Unfortunately, the two plants are not related, and this tree does not produce the edible fruit that you might expect.
Animals
Armadillos
When you think of an armadillo, you probably think of Texas or another state in the American Southwest. Suprisingly, you can find them right here in Missouri. Big Creek State Park is one of the few places in Missouri where you can find a wild Armadillo.
Flying Squirrel
Despite their name, flying squirrels don’t fly, but glide. Found throughout the eastern United States, they can also be found in Missouri.
Scarlet tanagers
An American songbird, and a member of the cardinal family. Their breeding habitat is in the deciduous forsts of eastern North America, migrating to South America for the winter.
Gray belly Salamanders
These salamanders can be found under rocks, near or in the cold streams of the park.