JEFFERSON CITY, MO —In 2026, the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) is 60 years old. For six decades, MPF has been a leading advocate for the protection and appreciation of prairie. Today, MPF owns and manages 36 properties totaling more than 5,000 acres—including some of Missouri’s most biologically rich old-growth prairies. MPF’s stewardship sustains the stunning biodiversity and natural integrity of these prairies, making them irreplaceable sites for prairie wildlife conservation and research.
“MPF is highly respected by other state and national conservation groups and is a nationally accredited land trust,” said MaryKay O’Donnell, Midwest Senior Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance. “The organization’s excellent governance, assertive advocacy, fiscal responsibility, educational programming and materials, as well as outstanding land stewardship are admired throughout the conservation community. MPF’s leadership also helps protect thousands of acres owned by partners, inspires and supports related conservation actions by other groups and individuals, and elevates the significance of Missouri’s prairie and native plant heritage as state and national treasures.”
A few of MPF’s many accomplishments throughout its history include:
– Accelerated ownership of prairie in recent years for permanent protection. Since 2013, MPF has acquired more acres of remnant prairie in Missouri than any other entity in that time frame. MPF’s 36 properties are open to the public to enjoy on foot.
– Support for dozens of prairie research projects via small grants, funded species surveys on its properties, and access to MPF prairies for approved data collection.
– Development of a vigorous prairie education program, with numerous free guided prairie hikes throughout the seasons, an annual prairie bioblitz and campout, publication of the Missouri Prairie Journal since 1979, presentations about the functions and values of prairie to dozens of groups every year, native plant sales organized throughout Missouri, and outreach with free educational materials available at scores of community events annually.
– Serving as the home of the Grow Native! program since 2012, MPF has greatly expanded this native plant and landscaping marketing and education program, with nearly 200 professional members, a Professional Certification program; Grow Native! Gardens of Excellence program; 30 Top Ten native plant lists; 14 native garden designs; Native Landscaping Planning Toolkit for Municipal Professionals; the publication of a free e-book, Native Plants for Stormwater Management Projects; a searchable native plant database with 400 species for home gardening; a popular webinar and master class series reaching thousands of people annually; and much more.
– Serving as the administrative home, since 2015, of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), an interdisciplinary group of professionals working to make early detection and control of invasive plants a statewide priority. Among MoIP’s accomplishments are the establishment of an annual Callery Pear Buyback Event, in 23 cities in 2026; obtaining rigorous public input to support a proposal to halt the sale of select invasive plants; and successful advocacy that supported passage of legislation to this effect in 2025.
Individuals interested in learning more about prairie and native grasslands are invited to visit an MPF prairie, participate in MPF’s many programs, explore its online resources, and attend MPF events including upcoming native plants sales, free webinars, guided prairie hikes, the MPF Prairie BioBlitz on June 6 and 7, 2026, among others planned for this anniversary year.
“Thanks to MPF members and other financial contributors, colleagues with other conservation groups, and private prairie landowners, we are making a positive difference for Missouri’s prairie legacy,” said Carol Davit, MPF executive director. “We invite prairie enthusiasts to learn more about our work at moprairie.org and become part of the MPF community.”
Learn about the plants and animals featured in MPF’s special edition anniversary