DUNN RANCH PRAIRIE
Not Dunn Yet Dunn Ranch Prairie receives upgrades to increase visitor experience For over 20 years, The Nature
to immerse themselves in Missouri’s prairie
Conservancy’s Dunn Ranch Prairie has been a hub for prairie restoration and research. The 3,475-acre preserve is located in Hatfield, Missouri and is part of the larger Grand River Grasslands region—more than 70,000 acres spanning parts of Missouri and Iowa. Now, thanks to some generous funding, Dunn Ranch Prairie has undergone a transformation that will significantly advance our goals, improve our operational efficiency, expand our capacity for outreach, and enhance our ability to host groups and tours. “Dunn Ranch Prairie has always been a popular destination for people wanting
heritage,” says Brandon Cox, TNC’s conservation coordinator in Missouri. The new infrastructure updates make those trips more convenient for everyone from individuals to families, and increases opportunities for larger groups who were not able to utilize the preserve before. “Parking for buses and public restrooms were two limiting factors that were keeping groups, such as school children, from being able to visit without significant advanced planning,” says Brandon. “This is
something that we’ve been wanting to do for years.” Additional projects include an interpretive trail and kiosks, expanded parking lots and two viewing platforms. “The new additions will make visits more interactive and enjoyable for everyone, while also helping to share the story of the prairie and why this landscape is so important to protect,” Brandon says.
12 MISSOURI : ACTION AND IMPACT
BOTH PAGES Infrastructure updates at Dunn Ranch Prairie © Kent Wamsley/TNC
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