Special Use Permit

About the Area

The Boone County Nature School is a public school entity and a partnership between Columbia Public Schools and the Missouri Department of Conservation. During the school day and throughout the school year, education is the primary and exclusive focus of the area, and the campus is not open for general public use. This partnership has resulted in a unique outdoor campus where nature becomes the focus by which all lessons are taught. The mission of the Boone County Nature School is to provide students with place-based education while learning about the natural world, sustainable agriculture methods, developing outdoor skills, and enhancing their overall health.

Campus Features and Permitted Use (Special Use Permit Required)

The nature school campus is located on 111 acres and features four native landscapes, prairies, aquatic ecosystems, forests, and karst topography. There is an outdoor education pavilion with privy restrooms, an archery range, fishing ponds, prairies, pollinator plots, gardens, and elderberry fields. The Missouri Department of Conservation provides year-round educational opportunities related to outdoor skills and nature.

The area is closed to general public use. Any individual or group wishing to participate in activities on the Boone County Nature School campus, including daily or overnight use, must first complete and receive approval through a Special Use Permit application. Activities are not permitted without an approved application, and access is granted only as outlined in the permit.

The area enforces a strict Leave No Trace Policy, which refers to a set of conservation ethics that aim to leave nature unchanged by human presence, while allowing for an interactive experience with nature.

 

Additional Information

The Boone County Nature School has two camping area options. One area is located south of the pavilion in the pine trees. The second option is in the center of the circle drive, just east of the pavilion. Tent camping is allowed in these designated areas. Recreational vehicles and campers are not allowed, except for special events approved by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Grills are permitted on the property. All grills must be kept out of the pavilion and off the concrete. The designated area for the grills is on the gravel and shown on the map below.

The privy restrooms are located directly next to the pavilion and camping area. The toilet paper is kept in the restrooms. There are no shower facilities on the property.

The pavilion is covered, has a concrete floor, and includes Leopold benches and picnic tables. Benches and tables may be rearranged as needed but MUST be returned to the location in which they were found upon the group’s departure. Both running water and electrical outlets are not present on the property.

Water in the blue jugs next to the pavilion are available for extinguishing fires. This water is NOT meant for consumption. All drinking water must be provided by the camping group. There is no running water at the camping area.

All trash generated must be hauled off and properly disposed of by your group. Trash cans are located at the pavilion. Please place trash cans upside down upon departure to ensure the rain does not fill them. If you see any trash in the area, please pick it up to help keep our area clean. Watch out for chewing gum and cigarette butts. We ask that all items other than pieces of trash be LEFT where they are found. There are extra trash bags in the pavilion.

The pavilion features a fire pit at the back left corner with grill grates for cooking. Additionally, there are four blue water jugs available for extinguishing campfires. Water in the blue jugs is not fit for consumption. All firewood must be brought in by the group. Please do not use the firewood in the shed, as it is only intended for employee use. Please do not pull wood from other areas or cut live or dead trees anywhere on the property.

Parking is only permitted on the gravel. An accessible parking spot is in front of the pavilion. Please do not park on the grass, vehicles may be parked immediately adjacent to the road. No parking or operation of vehicles on the road to the council house.

We have hiking trails on the property. There is a quarter mile, half mile and mile loop. There are six outdoor classrooms that can be used. Groups will have access to outdoor classrooms 1-4.

In addition, no kayaks, canoes, paddle boards or watercrafts are allowed on the ponds due to the introduction and spread of invasive species. No swimming is allowed.

Catch and release fishing is permitted at both ponds. No live bait or personal fishing equipment is allowed on the ponds due to the introduction and spread of invasive species. Groups that would like to fish must reserve fishing rods and equipment (poles, tackle box, lures and dip nets) from the Community Education Assistant at the Columbia Regional Office. Worms must be provided by the group. All fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply.

Madeline.Cox@mdc.mo.gov

A small shallow pond that is filled with reptiles and amphibians is located southwest of the pavilion. Groups can borrow dip nets from the Community Education Assistant up request. All dip nets and fishing equipment must be returned upon departure.

An archery range is available for use. Compound and recurve bows are permitted but must be set for 30 lbs or less (Crossbows are NOT permitted). Only bullet point arrow tips may be used on block targets at the range. All archery rules are posted at the range and must be strictly adhered to. Instructors who are NASP BAI certified may borrow equipment, which can be checked out through MDC staff prior to your event.

There is no hunting allowed on the Boone County Nature School property.

Hunting dogs and pets are not permitted on the area.

For a list of projects or find out more information about volunteering, please contact Brian Flowers – Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov.

Columbia, MO; Take 63 North, exit at Grindstone Pkwy. Ashland, MO; Take 63 South, exit – Y and M, Guthrie and Ashland.

  • Ashland: Moser’s Foods; Open 7 days.
    Monday-Saturday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm;
    Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
    109 Eastside Dr, Ashland, MO 65010
  • Columbia: Wal-Mart; Open 7 days.
    6:00 am – 11:00 pm daily.
    1201 Grindstone Pkwy, Columbia, MO 65201

Boone County Nature School
8989 S. Tom Bass Road
Columbia, MO 65201

This area is used for research and management, and all the flags, markers, and other items need to be left in their exact locations. Removing these items
could impact on the research work. Hammocks may only be used with nylon suspension straps; no string, bolts or hardware may be put into the trees. Collection or removal of any item is prohibited from the area. This includes wildflowers and berries. Hunting is not allowed. Catch and release fishing is allowed. All fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply.

  • Drinking water
  • Lighter
  • Fire Starter
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Hand and/or cleaning wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit
 

Special User Permit Contacts

Brian Flowers
Regional Supervisor
O: 573-815-7901 ext. 2867
C: 573-673-4705
Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov

Adam Doerhoff
C: 573-239-6541

Brandon Cotter
C: 573-777-2072
Urgent Wildlife Code Violations
NOT FOR GENERAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
Operation Game Theft: 1-800-392-1111

Zone 2 Calendar

Apply Now

Copyright © 2026 Boone County Nature School