The City of Ozark is very excited to offer the citizens of Ozark our very first Community Forest.
The City of Ozark is creating a state-of-the-art community forest that will include a walking trail, a bird-watching area, a viewing area, a beautiful outdoor green space for families to enjoy, and much more. The City of Ozark purchased this property in March 2021 with the assistance of two grants: the Missouri Department of Conservation Land Conservation Partnership and a Federal Forestry Grant. The City's goal is to develop and manage a park that offers visitors an up-close experience with the native ecosystems and geologic features of the Ozarks.
When residents and guests visit the new community forest, they will enter a hidden, natural world contained entirely within a long valley defined by steep tree-covered hillsides with outcroppings of exposed rock. Trees, abundant water, and karst features dominate this landscape. Along the valley floor meanders Garrison Branch, a small stream partly fed by three springs on the property. The springs are connected to a cave system mapped and classified as the seventh longest in the state by the Springfield Plateau Grotto, which promotes cave conservation, surveying, and management. One spring flows from a small cave high up on one of the hillsides. Water cascades down this hill, forming pools along the way behind low, man-made walls so old that no one today knows why they are there, though theories abound. Whether these impoundments were used to water horses on a mail run, wash laundry, or provide a scenic gathering spot for early settlers, they are now in a state of disrepair. Another perennial spring on the property was one of the original water sources for the City.
Garrison Spring Branch, which flows directly through the park, discharges into the Finley River only a mile downstream and then into the James River, 10 miles southwest of Ozark near Jamesville, Missouri.
The City of Ozark worked with the James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) to develop a Community Forest Management Plan. The JRBP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve and protect the water quality of the springs, streams, rivers, and lakes in the James River watershed."
The city is in the process of designing a project to make improvements to the pedestrian areas along Garrison Springs. Improvements will include a new sidewalk starting on the east side of North 3rd Street north of the fire station. The trail heads east along Garrison Springs for less than ¾ mile. The project is a collaboration between the City and the Missouri Department of Transportation using Transportation Alternative Program funds to assist in the project's costs.
Garrison Springs Sidewalk Trail Preliminary Plans
We appreciate your patience and cooperation throughout the development process. Once finished, the Community Forest at Garrison Springs will serve as a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its natural environment and building a sustainable community.
