By Andy Ostmeyer
Globe Metro Editor
JOPLIN, Mo. —
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has scheduled an informational meeting on Friday, Aug. 13, at Prairie State Park near Liberal in Barton County.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the visitors center and is open to the public.
Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted at the meeting, according to Brian Miller, natural resource steward at the park.
Accomplishments include a contract to fence two miles of the Tzi-Sho Grazing Area for the park’s herd of 130 bison, he said.
“This is the first stage,” Miller said, adding that another two miles of fence still need to be built.
Miller also noted that the State Park Youth Corps has completed a number of summer projects, including painting, landscaping, and tree planting near the picnic and camping area, as well as removal of exotic species within the park.
As for upcoming events, Miller said: “The big thing that is coming up is our Prairie Jubilee event. That is Sept. 25. That’s our premier celebration of the tallgrass prairie.”
That event draws about 1,000 visitors to the park, and this year, said Miller, the Prairie Jubilee will highlight the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War in Missouri.
Visitors also are invited to comment during the meeting on the park’s services and operations. Afterward, at 8 p.m., there will be an atlatl (spear-thrower) demonstration where visitors will learn about the ancient art of atlatl making and its use on the prairie.
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-843-6711 or by calling the department toll-free at 800-334-6946
Park numbers
Prairie State Park near Liberal has 4,000 acres of native tallgrass prairie and attracts about 55,000 visitors each year, said Brian Miller, natural resource steward.
