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Field Trip: Glades – Our Xeric Prairies, Part 1 – FULL

May 15, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

pink shooting star plants

TRIP FULL – If you would like to be added to the waitlist, email outreach@moprairie.org

Come explore the unique grassland communities of our glades. These rocky openings of the Ozarks contain both tallgrass prairie species and species endemic to glades. We will explore sandstone glades with a geologic twist at Graham Cave State Park’s Natural Area. The long human history of this site and the relations between prairie, climate, Native Americans, and geology will be discussed.

After a field lunch at the park picnic grounds we’ll head to Danville Conservation Area to explore limestone glades that are host to many interesting species of plants and animals. For example, silky aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum) and prairie dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata) occur on these glades and the loess hill prairies of northwestern Missouri, but not on other prairies in between. Why? Come find out!

Meet at 10:00 am at the Graham Cave State Park office (https://goo.gl/maps/8cKAg84UDRJ9R2j28 ). Be prepared for a few miles of both on and off trail hiking. Be prepared for ticks, heat, rocky terrain, and brush. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection. Bring a field lunch. Binoculars will be handy to view prime spring migration songbirds. Species checklists and maps will be provided.

MPF 2021 Geology and Native Grasslands Tours
From ancient seas and volcanoes to drifting continents, the broad sweep of earth’s history is written in the rocks and soils that directly influence the structure and composition of Missouri’s native grasslands. In this tour series, MPF Technical Advisor Mike Leahy will be our guide to explore the direct and fascinating connections between the native plant and animal species of native grasslands and geology. Mike Leahy is a natural community ecologist and coordinates work to protect and manage land in the Missouri Natural Areas program. He is also the author of the newly revised Discover Missouri’s Natural Areas: A Guide to 50 Great Places.
Cost: Free. Maximum registration: 20 per hike. Register for one hike or all. We can put you on waiting lists if registration fills up. Secure your spot by emailing outreach@moprairie.org or calling 573-808-7007.

Note: Tours will be held rain or shine. If storms/lightning is predicted, tour leaders will contact registrants in the event we need to reschedule. Even though tours will be outside, tour leaders ask that participants practice social distancing and wear masks when needed.

Photo: MDC

Details

Date:
May 15, 2021
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Graham Cave State Park
217 State Hwy TT
Danville, MO 63361 United States
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