Welcome to Prairie Fork

Prairie Fork Conservation Area is located in eastern Callaway County, Missouri, southwest of Williamsburg. This 911-acre area was donated to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) by Hilda P. Jones in 1997. Her vision for Prairie Fork encompassed three major emphasis areas. These included the implementation of conservation education programs which facilitate hands-on learning (particularly for the young and young at heart), natural resource research, and natural community management. These program areas are supported by the Prairie Fork Charitable Endowment Trust, which Mrs. Jones established in 1996. The Trust is managed jointly by the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Prairie Fork Trust annually requests and funds several projects that further Prairie Fork’s research and natural community goals and objectives.

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Our goal is to raise awareness and knowledge of the need for conservation among students of Missouri by offering educational facilities and programs throughout the year.

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Our management program goal is to reconstruct, restore, and manage the natural communities of Prairie Fork Conservation Area, along with their process and functions.

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Group Visit or Use of Prairie Fork Conservation Area

Our property is designed to be used by groups for various activities from learning to camping or meeting. Group facilites are available by appointment only. Please complete the appropriate form, and we will be in touch soon to confirm arrangements for your visit.

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Educators

Teachers, Counselors or other Educational Staff running School Field Trips.

Educators or Counselors Request Form

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Scouts, or Community Groups

Scout leaders or community groups looking for space for camping, learning or service opportunities.

Scouts or Community Groups Request Form

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Business Meetings

Corporations or small businesses requesting meeting space or event locations.

Business Meeting Request Form

We look forward to hosting your group at Prairie Fork.

For additional information, please contact:

AMBER EDWARDS
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Phone: (573) 254-3990
edwardsamb@missouri.edu

Individual (or group less than 10) Visit or Use of Prairie Fork Conservation Area

Prairie Fork Conservation Area can be used by individuals or small groups under 10. The facilities can be used for hiking, birding, or fishing. However, you must complete the following reservation form in order to use our facilities. Please do not enter the property until you have submitted this form. Please also check our calendar to make sure there are no facility-wide bans on the day you wish to join us.

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Individual and Small Group Request Form

Latest News

Prairie Fork Update: November 2021

Falling leaves and field experiences, and habitat improvements... oh my!October started off with a bang! Or rather…a slice?? Several of our pond and...