Ozarks

At work, no time right now . . . southern Illinois, which is largely occupied by the Shawnee National Forest, has two predominant geological features: the Shawnee Hills and the Illinois Ozarks. This region has the most diverse ecology in the nation . . . check it out . . .

i rotta gun

okbye

http://www.ozarkmtns.com/
North Central Arkansas, and south-central Missouri Ozark Mountains area

http://www.dogwoodcanyon.com
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park


http://www.artscenteroftheozarks.org/travel.shtml
Art Center of the Ozarks


http://www.arkansastravel.com/regions/ozarks.asp
The erosion of three plateaus uplifted from the earth's surface more than 300 million years ago has shaped the mountainous Ozarks region. Towering bluffs line many Ozark streams and stunning formations decorate the region's limestone caves. The rough terrain isolated parts of the area well into the 20th century, thus helping preserve the folk culture of early settlers.

More than a million acres of protected hardwood forest help preserve the beauty and unique wonders of the Ozarks. The resources of the Ozark National Forest include the Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail and other trails, campgrounds, cabins, picnic and wilderness areas.

The Buffalo National River, the first stream in America to receive that designation, is a perfect place to sample from a canoe the grandeur of these highlands. It's one of many places to enjoy a waterfall, splash in spring-fed pools and watch for wildlife (including elk) along the shoreline.

Other popular Ozark float streams include the Kings River, Spring River, and War Eagle Creek.

The White and Little Red Rivers are world-class trout streams. Sailing and scuba diving join fishing as popular activities on large lakes such as Beaver, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry and Norfork.

Visitors are drawn to the colorful small towns that dot these hills. Eureka Springs, named in 2001 to the National Historic Preservation Trust's list of a dozen distinctive U.S. destinations, has such attractions as the Great Passion Play, Eureka Springs Gardens, Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, Belle of the Ozarks cruises, historic Crescent Hotel and a downtown full of shops and boutiques that is, in its entirety, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Antique and crafts shopping opportunities abound across the region, particularly in Hardy Old Town. In Mountain View, the crafts, music and dance of the region's pioneers are being preserved at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.

Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers are among the Ozarks' larger cities, and the attractions they offer travelers include modern centers for the arts, live theater productions, art galleries, musical concerts and a variety of museums. The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad offers rail trips through the Ozarks from Springdale to Van Buren.

For Civil War buffs, the Pea Ridge National Military Park and the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park tell the stories of two of Arkansas's most important battles.

Toe-tapping musical shows, championship golf courses, mountainside cabins and first-class waterfront resorts are among other recreational opportunities in the Ozarks. Information on these and more of the region's attractions can be researched by city and body of water by visiting the Ozarks section in the "Attractions, Lodging and Dining Guide" on the state tourism web site.

THANKS boss....I had no idea, certainly refreshing...add more when you have the time, I am certain you are a wealth of information

Well, Boss, here's the forest service official site:

Shawnee Forest[/color]

Southern Illinois is at the northern limit of southern species, the southern limit of northern species, the easter limit of western species, and the western limit of eastern species. As well, there a few species unique to the region, all though the button bush is the only one that comes immediately to mind. So, there are sugar maples and black cypress in Southern Illinois . . . and there are coyotes and red foxes . . . there is so much variety, and so much contrast . . .

And here's the site of some joker in Marion (at the northern edge of the forest) who seems to be very much take with the region, and with good reason, i'd say . . .

Brian's Shawnee Forest page[/color]

and here's one of his photos--a truly beautiful forest . . .

Thanks guy...nice to see Im sure...will have to get out there someday.