Driving DirectionsFrom Chillicothe, take Highway 190 west 5 miles, then Route A north 5 miles. At the Route W junction, continue on Route A west 1 mile to the area entrance.
HighlightsThis area contains forests, grasslands, croplands, prairie/savanna and old field habitats. Numerous upland game species are present in addition to fishing opportunities and an extensive trail system. This area has been designated an Audubon Society Important Birding Area (IBA).
About This AreaPoosey Conservation Area is in northwest Livingston County, six miles southeast of Jamesport, nine miles northeast of Lock Springs, 12 miles southwest of Trenton and 13 miles northwest of Chillicothe.The Conservation Department purchased the original 814-acre tract for Poosey Conservation Area in 1979 from Robert Daugherty. Additional purchases have increased the area to its current size.The area contains unique fern-draped rock bluffs, heavily-timbered hills of oak and hickory, rolling grass expanses, and a variety of wildlife. The foliage provides brilliant and showy fall colors.This portion of the Grand River Valley was one of the last parts of Missouri yielded by the American Indians. In 1833, the last remnants of the Shawnee tribe left the area, opening the area to settlement by people of European extraction, who came here via Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The settlers, who preferred forested tracts to open prairies, were attracted by plentiful natural supplies of food, fuel, water, and building materials. The area's rugged landscape reminded some of the settlers of the Poosey region in Kentucky, giving rise to the areas name. The area continues to be known as the "Kingdom of Poosey," and travelers asking directions to it are usually informed that it is "just ahead over the next hill."With its combination of hardwood forests and tallgrass prairie, the area supports a thriving plant and animal community. Deer, turkey, raccoons, squirrels, quail, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, and many other small animals and birds are commonly seen here.Nestled among the steep, tree-covered hills in the southern portion of Poosey Conservation Area is 192-acre Indian Creek Community Lake, which was constructed in 1987. The lake features a disabled-accessible floating fishing dock.The area also contains a shooting range, which features 25-, 50- and 100-yard firearms targets. The range is located in the northwest portion of the area.
