Clay County's Trails and Grasslands Revitalization Project
Today, less than 1% of Missouri's pre-settlement tallgrass prairie remains.
Clay County leases 674 areas of federal land around Smithville Lake and
is in the process of revitalizing some of this lost prairie. This has the
potential to be one of the largest restored prairies within a major metropolitan
area. It will be an integral part of the trail system around Smithville
Lake. The restored prairie will provide habitat for wildlife and significantly
improve the water quality of Smithville Lake.
Project Goals:
- Maintain and encourage the genetic reservoir of flora and fauna
- Allow for educational research opportunities of the ecosystems.
- Increase recreational opportunities
- Develop partnerships — government, non-profits, schools, businesses, citizens.
The Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative are helping fund the purchase of seed and herbicide.
Revitalizing tallgrass prairie is a multistep process which includes burning fields, spraying noxious weeds, removing noxious weeds, and planting.
| Restoration activites as of July 2009 | |
|---|---|
| Acres burned | 669.5 |
| Acres sprayed | 530 (10,600 gallons) |
| Undesirable trees removed | 429 |
| acres planted to native warm season grasses and forb mixes | 265 |
| acres edge feathered | .63+ |
| acres planted - wildlife food plots | 3.5 |
For more information, contact the Clay County Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites.
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