Hilda J Young Conservation Area East — Attraction in Meramec Township

Good place to hike not far from St. Louis. The sandstone creek and the shortleaf pine trees are two things in common with Hawn, much closer to the city. Miles of trails, usually uncrowded. In addition to the official trails, another goes straight to the creek to a long trail parallel to the creek.

The area recently grew, adding more acres. Haven't been on the new section yet but have heard volunteers worked hard removing trash and old structures.

Seems like MDC has let the area be more natural in recent years, with less logging and burning. Nearby Don Robinson State Park is managed with a scorched earth policy with frequent large burns and much logging. Tree density at Young seems higher. When Hilda J Young willed the land, she had strict requirements for land use that got broken. She and Don Robinson might be rolling in their graves.

Unfortunately LaBarque Creek has gotten really shallow, filled in from upstream as erosion from the logging and fires washes sand into the creek. In addition, some private landowners clear the woods and their giant outbuildings create significant runoff. Some people tout the number of fish species in the creek. Most were near the Meramec back when the creek had deeper pools and more rocks and logs. Fish populations and diversity are low now. The creek had significant amounts of filamentous algae when I hiked in May 2023, probably from equestrians and failed septic tanks.

The main parking lot lets you access the trails. The other lot near Glassberg is mostly bushwacking. Unfortunately illegal dumping is a big problem at both lots. The main lot usually has countless alcoholic beverage containers and fast food and drink containers.

Best to avoid during deer seasons and...

Hunting is good lots of deer but lots of hunting pressure also. The hikers and bird watchers are the worst they're very uneducated and many have been shocked I'm hunting and try telling me it's not allowed 😂😂😂. Also the hikers don't stay on trails they walk through the middle of the woods making noise playing Bluetooth speakers and let their dogs off the leash. Not sure how why it's so hard for conservation to make hikers stay on designated trails during hunting season and managed bow hunt I've been on that's what they do. Personally the people that come out there to walk around ruin this place. It's a shame they can go walk at a park or powder valley but we can't hunt there the whole thing just seems stupid. Just how I feel about...

I wish people would have common curiosity when going to mdc areas! Public means everyone can use this place. Meaning when you go hiking please remember their are archery hunters most likely in a treestand. Sure no one knows where we are but if you're hiking with your family kids screaming parents yelling! This disrupts our hunting! We share with you now your turn. Its ridiculous most people go outdoors to enjoy nature peace n quiet. Why can i hear you walk the trail from quarter mile away off the main trail? Remember walkers hikers n dog walker's (dog must be on leash) harrassment of a hunter is a...