Big Creek Conservation Area

About 75% of this 1,064-acre area is forest, woodland or savanna. The remaining 25% is made up of native grassland, old field habitat and food plots. The west side of Big Creek is bordered by Thousand Hills State Park, which is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Conservation Department manages the forest, fish, and wildlife resources of Big Creek Conservation Area to provide for public recreation and to protect soil and water quality. Management practices, including cropping, timber management and prescribed burning, are used to improve wildlife habitat.

Adjacent to the west side of the City of Kirksville, accessible via Royal Oaks Drive, Rainbow Basin Trail or West Michigan St.