Wayne Rhodus and I made a quick tour of a few Missouri prairies over the weekend, and came away with a few keepers I think. The blazing star at Diamond Grove, shown here, was a tad past peak, but still a beautiful scene to behold as the sun was setting Saturday afternoon.
As Don Kurz and I were discussing on Friday, there is one showcase prairie that is in serious decline right now, due to various mis-management practices. If you visit any of the prairies and see that conditions are not consistent with a well-managed prairie (too many woody plants, livestock grazing, lack of diversity of plant species, etc.), you are encouraged to call the local governing office of the Missouri Department of Conservation and express your concerns. Don has been involved with prairie acquisitions for many years, and is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to just about anything that has to do with nature. I'm really looking forward to getting a copy of his new book - Missouri Natural Wonders - due out this Fall I believe.
Great shot Bill, I especially like the mima mounds referenced in the background! Diamond Grove Prairie has the best display of mima mounds in the state.
Best,
Don
Posted by Larry Daniel on July 13, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Even better than Schwartz Prairie, Don?
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on July 13, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Now that's a field of golden bounty! Great extraction and super use of the light we had that night Bill. And you even showcased the mima mounds you were telling me about. Sweet shot!
Discussion
12 repliesAs Don Kurz and I were discussing on Friday, there is one showcase prairie that is in serious decline right now, due to various mis-management practices. If you visit any of the prairies and see that conditions are not consistent with a well-managed prairie (too many woody plants, livestock grazing, lack of diversity of plant species, etc.), you are encouraged to call the local governing office of the Missouri Department of Conservation and express your concerns. Don has been involved with prairie acquisitions for many years, and is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to just about anything that has to do with nature. I'm really looking forward to getting a copy of his new book - Missouri Natural Wonders - due out this Fall I believe.
D2x; 24-70mm @ f/11, 1/4 sec; pano crop
Best,
Don