Dickcissels, like this one atop rattlesnake master, can be heard calling at MPF’s Drovers’ prairie. Photo: Bruce Schuette
Drovers’ Prairie
About Drovers’ Prairie
Located in Pettis County approximately 10 miles south of Sedalia, this 80-acre site is named for the cattle drovers who historically came through the region. The property was purchased by MPF in 1981.
Drovers’ Prairie is a mostly dry-mesic chert prairie. Additionally, there is a rare prairie swale, some bottomland prairie, and a short section of a headwater stream on the property.
A total of 252 native plant species have been recorded here, including Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense), prairie hyacinth (Camassia angusta), and in some of the wetter areas, seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia) and cord grass (Spartina pectinata). A state listed plant of conservation concern, horned rush (Rhynchospora macrostachya), occurs at Drovers’. The prairie has an average CC value of 3.83 and 28 conservative plant species. Four state-listed species of conservation concern, including the native bee Andrena beameri, the rattlesnake master stem borer moth, and the regal fritillary butterfly, have been found here. Greater prairie-chickens historically utilized Drovers’ Prairie.
Drovers’ Prairie is part of the Cole Camp Prairies Conservation Opportunity Area and the Cole Camp Important Bird Area. Drovers’ Prairie is also a stop along the Great Missouri Birding Trail. It is approximately one mile south of MPF’s Friendly Prairie, two miles southwest of Paint Brush Prairie Conservation Area (314 acres), and four miles northwest of Hi Lonesome Prairie Conservation Area (627 acres).
Drovers’ Prairie is open to the public for hiking, nature viewing, and hunting–state hunting regulations apply.
2021 Breeding Bird Surveys on Missouri Prairie Foundation Properties by the Missouri River Bird Observatory
See 2018 Missouri River Bird Observatory Breeding Bird Surveys on MPF Properties (includes Drovers’ Prairie)
Directions
Drovers’ Prairie is located in Pettis County on NW 101 Road, about 12 miles south of Sedalia. From Highway 65, take Highway 52 west 1 mile to Hoffman Road (NW 101 Road). Proceed south ¼ mile to the parking area on the right. By GPS, N38 32.018 W93 17.483 (in decimal degrees, 38.53363 -93.29138).
