Young Conservation Area

Young Conservation Area is a protected natural area in Jefferson County featuring oak-maple forests and hiking trails that wind along LaBarque Creek. The grounds include two fishing ponds and various pathways for exploring the landscape.

The Missouri Department of Conservation established this protected area in 1986 to preserve diverse wildlife habitats and native tree species. The creation of this preserve focused on protecting forest ecosystems that define the region.

The conservation area maintains educational resources and marked pathways that help visitors learn about local ecosystems and wildlife management practices.

The area is open daily from early morning through evening hours and is located west of Highway W for easy access. Multiple well-maintained trails offer straightforward routes for walking and wildlife watching.

LaBarque Creek within this area supports a notably high diversity of fish species found rarely in similar waterways elsewhere in the region. This waterway reflects the ecological richness hidden within the preserve.