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May 28, 2019Harrison County |  By: John Coffey

Nature Conservancy's Dunn Ranch Prairie celebrates 20th anniversary

The Nature Conservancy's Dunn Ranch Prairie located in Harrison County celebrates it's 20th anniversary this year. Grasslands and sustainable Agriculture Strategy Manager at the Dunn Ranch says the ranch serves the area in a number of ways.

"We're about a 3200-acre preserve.  We run 2300 acres of that.  We have 160 bison on that, so they are grazing that land.  It's land that we have restored to native prairie.  We have over 400 species of native grasses and forbes that exist out there on the site.  So it's a pretty unique little treasure, kind of a cornerstone place where wildlife meets diversity."

The Dunn Ranch also partners with the Missouri Department of Conservation in efforts to sustain endangered prairie chickens along the Missouri-Iowa border.
Director of Conservation Programs with the Nature Conservancy, James Cole, says the Dunn Ranch is open to the public and offers great opportunities to observe nature including a large population of migratory birds.

"We have one of the biggest populations of bobolinks in the state.  Other types of grass and birds, meadowlarks, things like that.  Sandpipers sitting on top of fenceposts.  You'll see a lot of pollinators, butterflies, monarchs, even leading into the fall.  In September we have an outstanding monarch butterfly migration, which is really just a sight to behold.  Leading into the summer is when our prairie begins peak blooming.  So if you love wildflowers, June, July, and August I would encourage you to stop by for a visit.  It's absolutely splendid with colors."

Cole says more information about the Dunn Ranch and it's 20th anniversary is available at nature.org/Dunn. The Dunn Ranch is located near Hatfield, Missouri in Harrison County.