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  • A combine is used to harvest native prairie seed in the fall. The seed of some native species is harvested by hand before the combine harvest to maximize the amount and variety of seed collected.  Dunn Ranch staff collect 10,000-20,000 pounds of seed each year.
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • After harvest, the native seed is dried and then stored in a grain bin until it is ready to be replanted in the winter.
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • After it's been dried, the native seed is cleaned by a specialized machine.
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • Hand-harvested seed is dried on screens and then cleaned using a smaller, hand-operated seed cleaner.
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • The cleaned and dried native seed is mixed together and bagged. Each bag weighs approximately 50 pounds.
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • In the winter, the seed is spread out onto the ground using a seeder like the one above. Approximately 500 acres have been seeded each year since 2008. To date, we have seeded about 1,500 acres at Dunn Ranch!
    Copyright Randy Arndt
  • The Conservancy manages prairie restorations with periodic prescribed burns. Prescribed burns allow native species to thrive and rid the landscape of invasive species, keeping the prairie healthy and vibrant.
    Copyright Hilary Haley
  • Another method used to properly manage native grasslands is the introduction of bison back onto the landscape. Bison stir up the prairie soil, helping seeds emerge and allowing water to seep into the ground.
    Copyright Hilary Haley
  • The fruits of our labors! The beautiful results of a successful restoration seeding at Dunn Ranch.
    Copyright Tom Nagel
Missouri
Dunn Ranch Prairie Restoration