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Vernon County prairie wetland expands
Nevada Daily Mail
On Jan. 26 the Nature Conservancy announced that it had expanded the size of the Marmaton River Bottoms Prairie Wetland to 587 acres with the purchase of an additional 80 acres in January.
According to a press release from the Nature Conservancy this additional property will help to ensure this prairie system will remain intact.
According to the release the Nature Conservancy has managed the 80 acres for 30 years through an agreement with Marjorie Pursley and following her death the Conservancy purchased the property to honor Pursley's wish that the land continue to be managed as native habitat for birds and other wildlife.
"Mrs. Pursley asked the Conservancy for help because she loved the property and knew it was special. Marmaton River Bottoms provides a rare and remarkable glimpse into an almost-lost chapter of our natural history," said Doug Ladd, the Conservancy's Missouri director of conservation.
According to the release, Marmaton contains the largest tract of unplowed wet prairie remaining in Missouri and is characterized by open woodlands, marshes, sloughs, and one of the state's largest concentrations of prairie wetlands. The property is bordered to the east by the Marmaton River.
The Conservancy identified these lands as critical to protect because wet prairie is one of the rarest grassland types on Earth and provides vital wildlife habitat. Additionally, prairie wetlands hold soil and water in place, reducing flooding, erosion, and drought.
Marmaton is open to the public. The site offers stunning scenery and some of the best bird watching in the state. Birds found at the preserve include 11 duck species, bald eagles, snipes, sandpipers, double-breasted cormorants, and grebes. In the spring and summer, an assortment of wildflowers are in bloom, including swamp milkweed, prairie ironweed, willow aster, and marsh elder.
For more information about visiting Marmaton River Bottoms Prairie Wetland visit nature.org/Marmaton.
According to the Nature Conservancy's website it has been providing ongoing management to this site, including the use of prescribed fire, which helps native species flourish and keeps invasive species in check, restoring the open woodlands and prairie wetland to a state similar to that which existed prior to European settlement.
Directions: From Nevada, take Highway 54 west to Highway H. Turn north, right, onto Highway H to James Road. Turn east, right, and then turn right onto 1300 Road until you reach a gate. Walk down the road past the gate you will be able to see the prairie on the east side of the road.
The Conservancy requests that visitors adhere its guidelines as closely as possible to protect the natural communities.
* Do not disturb areas marked by stakes, poles, flags or signs. These areas are in the process of being researched. Do not touch or move any markers.
* Avoid walking in boggy or wet areas where the ground is saturated and soft. These areas are especially sensitive to trampling.
* Watch out for bird nests on low shrubs and the ground. They are generally well concealed and are easily crushed.
* Please respect private property adjoining the preserves.
* Please report problems like trash or broken signage to the Conservancy office at 314-968-1105.
Prohibited activities on the preserve.
* No motorized vehicles of any sort -- strictly prohibited.
* No target practice.
* No littering.
* No building fires.
* No prospecting.
* No picking or removing of flowers, trees or shrubs.
* No feeding, chasing or capturing of any wildlife.
* Unless it's trash, if you did not enter the preserve with it, don't leave the preserve with it.