The area was opened in 1925 when pollution from coal smoke in St. Louis threatened the garden's live plant collection, especially the orchid collection. The orchids were moved in 1926, but the pollution in St. Louis decreased with waning use of coal for heat, making it unnecessary to move the rest of the live plant collection.
The nature reserve has several historic homes, a large prairie, and a large wetland blind from which herons can be observed. Over 14 miles (23 km) of hiking trails run through the reserve.
