Missouri

Prairie Comebacks

Native species make a comeback after Missouri grasslands are restored.

Years of hard work are paying off at Dunn Ranch and Wah'Kon-Tah Prairies.  Grasses wave in the wind, native birds sing, colorful wildflowers scent the air... and in the past year, key native species were returned to both landscapes.

Prairie Chickens at Dunn RanchPrairie Chickens at Dunn Ranch © Dave Bryan/Timeless Images
Birds That Boom

Sixty-two prairie chickens were released at Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie this year, the final step in the Missouri Department of Conservation's five-year plan to reestablish the critically endangered bird.

Topeka ShinerTopeka Shiner © Missouri Department of Conservation
Shine On

Plans are in place to reintroduce a small silvery minnow, the Topeka Shiner, into streams at Dunn Ranch and Pawnee Prairies next year.

Bison in WinterBison in Winter © Noppadol Paothong/MDC
Oh Give Me a Home...

Dunn Ranch Prairie welcomed a herd of 36 bison in October 2011.  Eight bison calves were born this spring - including three on Mother's Day!

burying beetleBurying beetle. © Brett Cortesi, courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo
Beetlemania

The first federally endangered species to be reintroduced in Missouri, the American burying beetle is making its new home on Wah'Kon-Tah Prairie.  The beetles are known for their grotesque parenting skills.

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Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

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Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

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