Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
La Jolie Pointe Conservation Area is a restored natural space located in St. Louis County, Missouri, featuring more than 2,400 acres of diverse habitats including native prairie, wetlands, and hardwood forests. This area was formerly the site of a landfill but has since undergone extensive ecological restoration to support local wildlife and plant communities. The conservation area is an important urban green space that allows visitors to experience native Midwestern ecosystems within close proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area. It hosts a variety of flora such as tallgrass prairie species and wetland plants, while fauna includes native birds, small mammals, amphibians, and pollinators. Visitors can explore an extensive network of trails designed for hiking, running, and mountain biking, some of which wind through prairies alive with wildflowers in the spring and summer. The wetlands provide critical habitat for migratory birds and amphibians, offering great birdwatching opportunities throughout the year. La Jolie Pointe is also recognized for its conservation education programs and community engagement initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. Due to its history as a reclaimed landfill, the area features well-planned pathways and interpretive signage recounting its transformation and ongoing ecological monitoring efforts. Its proximity to the city makes it an appealing destination for residents seeking outdoor recreation and reconnecting with nature without traveling far from urban amenities.
