Prairie Management

Prairie is an ecosystem that evolved with disturbance including fire and in some cases grazing by bison, elk, and other animals. In order to sustain native biodiversity of original, unplowed prairies, they must be managed.

Critically important to managing prairie are carefully planned prescribed fires and vigilant treatment of invasive plants, both non-native herbaceous plants like sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), and native trees including eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).

The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) strives to use the best and most innovative management techniques on its properties and to help private landowners do the same. These techniques include annual, prescribed burning on one-third to one-half of each of its original prairies; targeted treatment of invasive plants; and mechanical removal of encroaching trees.