Highway P
Elsberry, MO
Prairie Slough Conservation Area consists of 584 acres, including 463 acres of bottomland timber and 121 acres of open land, shrub swamp with backwater sloughs of the Upper Mississippi River. Prairie Slough once was a chute, a narrow channel through which the flow of water is swifter and deeper than the normal flow, of the Mississippi River at the turn of the century. Most of the area on the east side of the chute was an island. Natural river meandering and man's efforts have combined to shift the river flow away from the chute, resulting in a slough, a body of water blocked from the river on the upstream end, except during periods of flooding.
Prior to its purchase in 1979 by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the area was a fee fishing area, known as Prairie Slough Fishing Paradise. Deer Slough was added to the area in 1985. The public has access to 3/4 mile of frontage on each of Prairie Slough and Deer Slough. Recreational opportunities include fishing, hunting, outdoors photography, and bird and wildlife watching.
Two emergent marshes near the main entrance maintain water throughout much of the year, providing habitat for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that require water to be available throughout most of their life cycle. Wintering bald eagles use the area and ospreys and Mississippi kites have been observed here during their migrations. The flood of 1993 damaged the old growth bottomland hardwoods of the timbered portion of the area and the habitat is seeing the growth of more flood tolerant overstory species. Common trees include pin oak, burr oak, ash, pecan, cottonwood, hackberry, silver maple, honey locust, and persimmon.
Visiting Prairie Slough Conservation Area
Visiting Hours
The Conservation Area is open 4 am to 10 pm except for authorized fishing and hunting activities
There is no charge to visit Prairie Slough Conservation Area.
Explore the community of Elsberry
Use the official site of Prairie Slough Conservation Area to find the answers to the questions about Prairie Slough Conservation Area that you may have.
