This website would not be complete without an expression of gratitude to all of those who have assisted us with our little prairie remnant. The following are people and organizations we would like to acknowledge for their help with the ongoing restoration work at South Fork Prairie:
- Dave Alburty
- Sue Hollis
- Carol Pranulis
- Dan Rice
Larry Rizzo, Missouri Department of Conservation Natural History Biologist - Larry Rizzo has been invaluable in providing information, assisting with obtaining funding, and with hands-on efforts to protect and preserve the prairie. Larry has not only been willing to give advice and provide knowledgeable information, but will readily pull out a tank of Remedy to spray noxious weeds that threaten to encroach on the prairie, or wade through waist high, tick infested grasses in 100 degree heat to count Mead’s Milkweed stems.
Nick Prough, Missouri Department of Conservation Private Land Conservationist - For three consecutive years Nick has led a team of professionals in the annual burn of our prairie. His experience and competence in conducting burns, ensures that each fire will be handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to safety. Nick also leads workshops to instruct landowners like ourselves, on how to best go about conducting a safe and effective burn.
Members of the KC Region - Missouri Native Plant Society - Members of this organization have assisted in the identification and documentation of numerous native plant species on our prairie. These volunteer botanists have loaned their skills to us on many occasions, and are responsible for the documentation of native plants that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. Special thanks to members:
Department of Fish and Wildlife - Partners for Wildlife Program - The grant from this agency allowed us to begin restoration work on South Fork Prairie. The funding we received enabled us to pay for the initial clearing of invasive trees and shrubs from the prairie.
Brian Winter - Brian was hired to do the initial clearing of South Fork Prairie, using a tree shear, large tractor and mowing equipment. Brian's skill in handling large and heavy equipment, in a sensitive, natural environment was impressive to say the least. His attention to the need for special care in working on a native prairie remnant was reflected in the amazing results achieved, with minimal impact to the ecosystem.