Maramec Spring
Maramec Spring, the fifth largest in Missouri, pumps an impressive 100 million gallons of fresh water daily! Sourced from over 350 feet beneath the Earth’s surface, the water maintains a refreshing 56-degree temperature year-round. Historically, when this land operated as an Ironworks in 1829, the spring provided essential power.
Explore a paved, ADA-accessible trail that winds around the spring, providing an up-close view of fish swimming in the captivating emerald water. Don’t forget to bring quarters for fish food! The trail also offers glimpses of the trout hatchery, showcasing various stages of growth, leading to the public fishing areas. Take a stroll under a tunnel beneath the park road to discover the remnants of the historic Maramec Iron Works.
Water Quality
The water quality at Maramec Spring is consistently high, characterized by a moderately mineralized calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate composition that mirrors the dolomitic bedrock. This quality is intricately linked to activities within the 310-square-mile recharge area, with most constituents being naturally dissolved from the rock. The absence of large towns in the recharge area further contributes to the high quality of the water.
Critical to maintaining this high quality are the landowners and residents in the recharge area, who make informed decisions about land use, development, and proper waste disposal practices. Salem, the largest town in the Dry Fork basin, responsibly releases treated wastewater into Spring Creek, a tributary of Dry Fork. As a gaining stream, the creek undergoes natural processes that effectively remove nutrients before entering a losing stream section. While septic tanks, livestock, and fertilizer contribute to the nutrient load in the recharge area, their impact on water quality remains relatively low. While the potential for water-quality issues exists with increased nutrient input, the current quality reflects positive management practices.
AQUATIC LIFE
Since Maramec Spring Park is known for its clear, cold, and clean waters, its waters support a variety of aquatic life. Some of the species that can be found in the waters at Maramec Spring Park include:
Maramec Spring is renowned for its thriving trout population. Rainbow trout and brown trout are regularly stocked in the stream to provide anglers with excellent fishing opportunities.
FISH SPECIES
In addition to trout, you may also find other fish species.
AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES
The cold, flowing waters of the spring support a diverse community of aquatic invertebrates, including various species of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, aquatic worms, and more! The presence of these species further demonstrates the water’s quality, as these organisms require environments with high water quality to inhabit.
AMPHIBIANS
The surrounding wetlands and water bodies are home to amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, especially in the warmer months.
TURTLES
Aquatic turtles, like the common snapping turtle and painted turtle, may be seen basking on logs or swimming in the waters of the park.
WATERFOWL
Ducks, other waterfowl nad shorebirds are present around the park’s waters.
CRAYFISH
Crayfish, also known as crawdads, are often found in the stream and contribute to the aquatic ecosystem.
