Driving DirectionsFrom Harrisonville, take I-49/Highway 71 south 5 miles, then County Road 307 west 2.50 miles. HighlightsThis area contains wetlands and forest, including a 20-acre marsh and a 13-acre sedge-and-grass wet meadow. About This AreaBittern Bottoms Conservation Area is in Cass County, about eight miles southeast of Harrisonville.The Conservation Department acquired this area in 1985 and manages it to preserve wetland habitat and provide the public opportunities for viewing, studying, and photographing wetland plants and animals.The 67-acre area, named for the least bittern which sometimes nests here, is located in the Grand River bottoms. The area is 40 percent forested and includes a 20-acre man-made marsh, which was originally a private duck hunting club.A 13-acre open sedge and grass-covered wet meadow adds to the diversity of wetland habitat on the area.Wood ducks, blue-winged teal, mallards, prothonotary warblers and tree sparrows reside at Bittern Bottoms. Muskrat, raccoon, mink, and other mammals commonly associated with Missouri wetland habitat are frequently seen here, along with a variety of reptiles and amphibians.The area is open to the public from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Special facilities include a parking lot and a foot path to the interior of the marsh. Canoes and other small watercraft can be carried from the parking lot to the marsh.