Bison hike planned July 9 at Prairie State Park

People interested in seeing one of the greatest symbols of the vanishing tallgrass prairie can take a guided bison hike July 9 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Participants will join the park naturalist at 10 a.m. for a trip back in time to see bison, one of the area's most magnificent mammals, on its native prairie habitat. The event is free and open to the public.

During the one hour hike, participants will learn about bison biology, Native American uses of the bison, herd dynamics, prairies and much more. Those attending should dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. Call the park at (417) 843-6711 for more details and to register for the hike. For more information on Missouri state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at (800) 334-6946 (voice) or (800) 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visit mostateparks.com.