Local Wildlife Discoveries
Explore the fascinating creatures that call Hulston Mill Park their home. From the skies to the streams, nature is always active!
White-Tailed Deer
These gentle giants are most active at dawn and dusk. Look for them moving quietly through the meadows near the tree line.
Wild Turkeys
Did you know turkeys can fly? They are excellent foragers and can often be heard gobbling in the early morning Ozark air.
Eastern Bluebird
The state bird of Missouri! Listen for their soft warble as they flit between trees around the park.
Did You Know?
Hulston Mill Park is home to over 100 species of birds and local butterflies. Venture out to see how many you can locate!
Forest Giants
Look up and see the mighty oaks, hickories, and sycamores that shade our park. These Missouri legends aren't just pretty; they are busy nature hotels and snack bars for our local wildlife. From crunchy acorns for squirrels to cozy branches for nesting birds, these trees are the heart of where critters find a safe home. *Bonus feature: we have a new willow tree planted in 2026 in honor and memorial of our friend, Angela. Take a walk down by the playground and visit Angela Willow. Let's watch her grow!
Squirrel Life in the Trees
Welcome to the world of the Hulston Mill squirrels! These furry Missouri residents love spending their days high up in our giant oak and hickory trees. To a squirrel, a tree is more than just a plant—it is a giant kitchen and a cozy bedroom all in one. Watch closely and you might see them leaping from limb to limb like little acrobats! They build special round nests made of twigs and leaves called dreys, tucked away in the high branches where they stay safe from the wind. When their tummies rumble, the park's trees provide a crunchy feast of acorns and nuts. These busy critters spend all afternoon gathering snacks to hide for later. See if you can spot a squirrel today playing around!
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Frogs
We've seen many frogs, see if you can find and identify them.
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Lizards
Five Lined Skinks and others are residents of the Park and often found zipping about. The ones with the blue tails are young juveniles.
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Snakes
There's potential to see venomous and non-venomous snakes in the Park, as anywhere in Missouri. However, our most common snake that does call home to our streams in the Park is the Northern Water Snake. They are very chill and like to avoid people most of the time.
Send Us Your Pics
If you visit and get some good pics of our wildlife, send them to us and we'll post on this website.
Wish you were here!
A Passion for History & Nature
The Dade County Historical Society manages Hulston Mill Park and, our commitment extends beyond the preservation of artifacts to the very land that sustains our heritage. We hold a deep-rooted passion for the Ozark landscape, where history and nature are eternally intertwined. Â
Nature and history provide the vital foundations for human wisdom, offering essential lessons on where we come from and how we connect to the living world.
