Prairie Fork Conservation Area boasts 911 acres of prairie, pond, and forest habitats to explore and learn about.
Facilities
1. Area Wide
2. Discover Nature Teaching Area 1
This is a well-developed area with three hiking trails (blue, green, and gold) that will take you through reconstructed prairie, forest, ponds, wetlands, and near the Prairie Fork Creek. Both Outdoor Classrooms in this area are equipped with wooden benches. Classroom #1 is located on the Blue Trail, and Classroom #2 is located on the Green Trail. This area also includes the Teaching Pavilion, which has benches for seating and educational imprints on the floor. The Picnic Area is included and will comfortably seat 125. The pit toilet is available year-round.
3. Naturalist Shed
Small shed that holds requested teaching items. Can seat 10 students comfortably.
4. Pit Toilet
Available for use. Porta-Potties available for rent with large groups.
5. Picnic Area
This area seats 125 comfortably. Trash cans and recycling options available.
6. BBQ Pit
This is a replica of the BBQ pit owned and used by Ted and Pat Jones, and is equipped with adjustable grills.
7. Teaching Pavilion
This 24′ x 40′ pavilion has benches for seating, lights & fans, and electrical outlets. The trees harvested as lumber for the pavilion were planted by Ted and Pat Jones in the 1950’s.
The floor is imprinted with native plant and animal tracks for educational use.
8. Outdoor Classroom
We have several well-defined Outdoor Classrooms. These classrooms are located on our six trails and each have permanent benches in place.
9. Soil Core Wall/Soil Shed
The soil core is on permanent display in the Soil Shed, where it showcases a variety of different soil types and glacial events that occurred on the area. This 60-foot soil core taken from the northern portion of the property dates back nearly one million years. The Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientists has other soil displays and activities available upon request.
10. Hiking Trails
We have 5 designated trails that are between a half mile and one and half mile. Four of the trails are mowed pathways. One is graveled with crushed rock.
11. Water Spigot
Calloway County water is available at all spigots.
12. Discover Nature Schools Teaching Area 2
Has three hiking trails (orange, silver, and purple) that take you through restored prairie, forest, ponds, wetland, and near the Prairie Fork Creek. This area also includes our Education Building, which can be set up with tables and chairs. Outdoor classrooms #3, #4, & #5 are located along this area’s trails.
13. Education Building
An enclosed and insulated metal building with an open area for teaching. There are three bay doors that can be opened to see outside. Tables and chairs are available for a variety of setups.
14. Group/Scout Camping Area
These camping sites are available for use by Scouts and groups of 10 or more. We have a Leave No Trace policy across our area.
Some amenities include: a metal fire ring, benches for group meetings, stone barbeque pit, picnic tables, water spigot, orienteering trail, and pit toilet.
A packet of information is available upon inquiry.
15. Office/Meeting Room
Our office offers a spacious meeting room with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and WiFi. Lunches can be prepared onsite or catered in by local vendors. There is a library available for small groups, students, and researchers. The meeting room seats 15 people comfortably and can hold up to 25.