Preserve Missouri’s Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark

Preserve Missouri’s Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark

Recent signers:
Trish lacy and 16 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in Missouri, Shaw Nature Reserve has always been a staple in the heart of our state. A place rich in biodiversity, it fosters not only an environment of natural beauty but also provides refuge to numerous endangered species. Designating Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark is not only a nod to preserving our state's natural heritage but a necessary step in ensuring the safety and security of the unique species that call it home.

The Shaw Nature Reserve, an extension of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, serves as a critical habitat for endangered species. These species benefit from the protection afforded by "The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973." However, elevating the reserve to a Historical Landmark status would offer further safeguards, more comprehensive resource allocation, and increased public awareness about the reserve's role in biodiversity conservation.

In a time when natural habitats are shrinking, and the pressures of urban development are mounting, the designation of Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark will help cement its importance not only as a site for education and research but as a shelter for species at risk. This action is vital not only for biodiversity but for preserving this cherished local treasure for future generations of Missourians.

Economically, protecting Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark would bolster eco-tourism, bringing an influx of visitors eager to understand and appreciate the state's natural ecosystems. Moreover, the investment in protecting natural landscapes offers long-term benefits that far outweigh short-term gains from possible land exploitation.

Join us in our mission to safeguard this irreplaceable part of Missouri's natural landscape and legacy. Your signature can help us take a step closer to protecting Shaw Nature Reserve and ensuring the safety of the endangered species that thrive there. Support us in urging local and federal authorities to recognize the Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Sign the petition today and make a difference.

avatar of the starter
G. NairPetition Starter
Media inquiries

382

Recent signers:
Trish lacy and 16 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in Missouri, Shaw Nature Reserve has always been a staple in the heart of our state. A place rich in biodiversity, it fosters not only an environment of natural beauty but also provides refuge to numerous endangered species. Designating Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark is not only a nod to preserving our state's natural heritage but a necessary step in ensuring the safety and security of the unique species that call it home.

The Shaw Nature Reserve, an extension of the Missouri Botanical Gardens, serves as a critical habitat for endangered species. These species benefit from the protection afforded by "The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973." However, elevating the reserve to a Historical Landmark status would offer further safeguards, more comprehensive resource allocation, and increased public awareness about the reserve's role in biodiversity conservation.

In a time when natural habitats are shrinking, and the pressures of urban development are mounting, the designation of Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark will help cement its importance not only as a site for education and research but as a shelter for species at risk. This action is vital not only for biodiversity but for preserving this cherished local treasure for future generations of Missourians.

Economically, protecting Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark would bolster eco-tourism, bringing an influx of visitors eager to understand and appreciate the state's natural ecosystems. Moreover, the investment in protecting natural landscapes offers long-term benefits that far outweigh short-term gains from possible land exploitation.

Join us in our mission to safeguard this irreplaceable part of Missouri's natural landscape and legacy. Your signature can help us take a step closer to protecting Shaw Nature Reserve and ensuring the safety of the endangered species that thrive there. Support us in urging local and federal authorities to recognize the Shaw Nature Reserve as a Historical Landmark, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Sign the petition today and make a difference.

avatar of the starter
G. NairPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Missouri State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — Missouri DNR / Missouri State Parks
Missouri State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — Missouri DNR / Missouri State Parks
Responded
“Thank you for your email and for the update on efforts to designate Shaw Nature Reserve as an historic landmark. From the information provided, it is not clear if the intent is to designate the Reserve as a National Historic Landmark or to nominate it for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. If the intent is to have Shaw Nature Reserve designated as a National Historic Landmark, that selection process is administered by the National Park Service. For more information about the process, please refer to their Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/faqs.htm. The State Historic Preservation Office is not involved in the selection of National Historic Landmarks. If the intent is to nominate Shaw Nature Reserve to the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Preservation Office administers the nomination process on behalf of the National Park Service and can provide technical assistance, but the final determination for listing is the purview of the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places. The Keeper is a National Park Service official authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to list eligible historic resources to the National Register. Information about the National Register listing process can be found on our website at https://mostateparks.com/page/state-historic-preservation-office/nrhp. The first step to listing is to complete and submit an Eligibility Assessment, instructions for which can be found at https://mostateparks.com/page/state-historic-preservation-office/my-property-eligible-listing-national-register. I have attached a National Register FAQ sheet that may be helpful. The FAQ sheet can also be found at https://mostateparks.com/media/pdf/nr-faqs. Another program administered by the National Park Service that might be better suited to your efforts to recognize the Reserve’s significant biodiversity is the National Natural Landmarks program. This program recognizes nationally significant landmarks for their outstanding biological or geological features and scientific or educational value. Information about the program and how sites are selected for designation can be found on the National Park Service’s website at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/nnl-designation-process.htm. Our office is not involved in the selection of National Natural Landmarks either and can’t comment on whether the Reserve is eligible for the program but thought it worth mentioning since the Reserve was designated a National Environmental Education Landmark by the Department of the Interior in 1972. I wish you all the best in your worthy endeavor. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you need additional information. Thanks!”

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Petition created on January 23, 2026