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Pale purple coneflowers (Echinaea pallida) are restricted to prairies and some other native grassland communities. As the flower in the Missouri Prairie Foundation logo, the pale purple coneflower represents the great diversity of native plants—as many of 800 species—that occur on Missouri’s remaining prairies and on which many prairie invertebrates and other species depend.

The Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is a 5-inch summer resident of prairies that favors tall, dense grass, a dense litter layer, and standing dead vegetation.  The Henslow’s sparrow has been identified as the highest priority for grassland bird conservation in eastern and midwestern North America by Partners in Flight (PIF), a cooperative effort of many organizations dedicated to bird conservation. Prairie conservation is crucial for their survival.

The ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornate ornata) is more strikingly patterned than the more common three-toed box turtle and its habitat is restricted largely to prairies and open brushy areas. These mostly insectivorous reptiles can live up to 30 years; some individuals have been found to have a home range comprising about five acres. Prairie protection is critical for the continued survival of these terrestrial turtles.

The stately northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) forages by flying over prairies and fields within a few meters of the ground, hovering over one spot and plunging feet-first into vegetation to capture prey. This 18 to 22 inch raptor has a wingspan of 40 to 47 inches; the female is brown and streaked below; males are gray above and white below. This bird of prey migrates through Missouri where it is an uncommon winter resident.

Once covering 15 million acres of Missouri, today there are fewer than 60,000 scattered acres of original, unplowed prairie in Missouri. Sunrises over these precious tracts of prairie are special indeed and to be cherished.

Lifetime members enjoy lifetime membership to the Missouri Prairie Foundation and several special benefits.