Missouri Prairie Foundation offers hike May 28, 13th annual Prairie BioBlitz June 1-2
May 5—The Missouri Prairie Foundation's 13th annual Prairie BioBlitz will be held June 1-2 at Shelton L. Cook Memorial Meadow in Barton County.
Participants can join biologists, volunteer naturalists and other prairie supporters at the 302-acre site to celebrate National Prairie Day (June 1) and help biologists inventory plants, birds, butterflies, native bees, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and more.
The weekend also will feature a potluck dinner with a fish fry, an after-dinner presentation on Dark Skies, nocturnal insect observations, stargazing and free tent camping. Activities continue through noon on Sunday.
The event is free of charge, but attendees must register for Prairie BioBlitz activities for planning purposes and to reserve a spot in field study groups, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
"The Missouri Prairie Foundation is very pleased to offer this weekend of learning and fun," Carol Davit, executive director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, said in a statement. "Temperate grasslands are the most endangered, least conserved of any major terrestrial habitat on earth — including Missouri's tallgrass prairies, which have global conservation significance. Participants will learn more about and see firsthand the incredible biodiversity present on the prairie while helping document the different kinds of plants and animals we can find."
Find a detailed schedule of Prairie BioBlitz activities, directions to the prairie, and event registration at https://moprairie.org/event/mpf-13th-annual-bioblitz-and-national-prairie-day/. Registration deadline is May 30.
The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a 58-year-old prairie conservation organization and land trust. In addition to its prairie conservation work, the group also runs Grow Native!, a 24-year-old native plant marketing and education program, and administers the Missouri Invasive Plant Council.
To learn more, visit www.moprairie.org or www.grownative.org, or call 573-808-7007.
Shelton L. Cook Memorial Meadow is located along Route U, about 2 miles northwest of Golden City.
Prairie Hike
Missouri Prairie Foundation Technical Advisor Jeff Cantrell will offer a guided look at the life and eco-relationships at Linden's Prairie from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28.
It will involve up to 1 mile of walking over flat to moderately rolling terrain. Dress for the weather and walking in a prairie (boots or gaiters are recommended) and bring water and sun protection.
The hike will be held rain or shine. Registrants will be notified in the event we need to reschedule due to severe weather.
The cost is free. To secure a spot, email Cantrell at Jeff.Cantrell@mdc.mo.gov.
MPF acquired the 171-acre original prairie near Mt. Vernon, in 2014. It is located in Lawrence County on County Road 2120 about six miles west of Mt. Vernon. From Interstate 44, take exit 38 north on Missouri Highway 97. Drive two miles north into the town of Stott's City and turn east onto County Road 2120. Drive 2.2 miles and look for the grass pull-in on the left (north).
