The only way to enjoy a prairie is to stroll through it while paying close attention to everything it has to offer. A healthy prairie can be an entire biome. As you traverse the land, watch closely to understand how each living creature is a part of the circle of life. The most obvious ones are the wildflowers, or as I see them, “Nature's jewels”. They are usually discovered in between the tufts of tall grasses. What you find one week may be gone the next!
This night’s walk at Carver Prairie in Diamond, MO blessed us with a rare mid-May sunset, opening skies, groupings of wildflowers begging to give us their summer blossoms, and the constant song of the Dickcissel. This stroll we found the final showings of Grass Pink Orchids and Barbara’s Buttons. June is sure to be in full bloom!
By: Master Naturalist, Amera Wild, a member of the Chert Glades Chapter, Missouri Streamteam, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Wildcat Glades Friends Group, Trumpeter Swan Society and the Ozark Gateway Audubon Society