{"id":2,"date":"2017-05-03T18:11:40","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T18:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-05-01T11:16:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T16:16:15","slug":"sample-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/","title":{"rendered":"John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"3814\" height=\"898\" alt=\"A bee on yellow flowers with &quot;Welcome to John Rushin Research Prairie&quot; written across it\" title=\"John Rushin Banner\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-200x47.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-400x94.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-600x141.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-800x188.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-1200x283.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner.png 3814w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 3814px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0 !important;padding-right : 0 !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0 !important;padding-left : 0 !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : -25px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-large-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none fusion-no-large-visibility\"><img width=\"3814\" height=\"898\" title=\"JohnRushinBanner-Mobile\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile-200x47.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile-400x94.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile-600x141.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile-800x188.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile-1200x283.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/JohnRushinBanner-Mobile.png 3814w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 3814px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0 !important;padding-right : 0 !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0 !important;padding-left : 0 !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : -25px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">Upcoming Prescribed Burn<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"font-size:12pt;transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">大象传媒 will be conducting a prescribed burn on the John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie at 50th and Messanie, on the east side of campus. To avoid any possible discomfort from the smoke, it is advised that nearby residents close their windows during the burn. People who are particularly sensitive to smoke are advised to remain indoors during the burn.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">WHEN<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Saturday, May 2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">The timing of the burn depends on weather conditions. <\/span>If for some reason the burn doesn&#8217;t happen on May 2, the next possible date is Friday, May 8.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">DURATION<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Burn will take a few hours, but could take longer depending on weather conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">WHY<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Prescribed burns help maintain the health of prairie land to ensure the utility of the land for research and applied learning. See our FAQs below for more information about prescribed burns.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">Prairie Burn FAQ<\/h2><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-2-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-2-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-2-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:#ffffff; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-2-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-2-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-2-1\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9d0032154ad513d82\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-2-1\" data-target=\"#9d0032154ad513d82\" href=\"#9d0032154ad513d82\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is a prescribed burn and what are the benefits?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9d0032154ad513d82\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cPrescribed fire or controlled burning is an affordable and effective management tool to accomplish land management goals including reducing fuel loads to reduce the intensity and chance of wildfire, restoring native plant communities, enhancing wildlife habitat, improving livestock forage production, regenerating merchantable trees, and controlling invasive species. The responsible use of fire can benefit the people and resources of 大象传媒.\u201d \u2013\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/moprescribedfire.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/moprescribedfire.org\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9489ae5d9f936e649\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-2-1\" data-target=\"#9489ae5d9f936e649\" href=\"#9489ae5d9f936e649\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How does a prescribed burn differ from a wildfire?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9489ae5d9f936e649\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cA\u00a0<b>prescribed fire<\/b>\u00a0is a planned fire intentionally ignited by park managers to meet management objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">A\u00a0<b>wildfire<\/b>\u00a0is an unplanned fire caused by lightning or other natural causes, by accidental (or arson-caused) human ignitions, or by an escaped prescribed fire.\u201d \u2013\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/orgs\/1965\/wildfires-prescribed-fires-fuels.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/orgs\/1965\/wildfires-prescribed-fires-fuels.htm<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"dea5ef8276707bafe\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-2-1\" data-target=\"#dea5ef8276707bafe\" href=\"#dea5ef8276707bafe\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Are prescribed fires dangerous?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"dea5ef8276707bafe\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Prescribed fires are specifically planned out and controlled by professionals that are highly trained in this area of conservation. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and when properly executed, the risk to surrounding people, buildings, and wildlife is minimal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"a21ee7483c507d0d6\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-2-1\" data-target=\"#a21ee7483c507d0d6\" href=\"#a21ee7483c507d0d6\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is the impact of 大象传媒's prescribed burn?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"a21ee7483c507d0d6\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">The goals of 大象传媒\u2019s prescribed burn include clearing accumulated ground litter to prepare for spring herbicide application, stimulation of broadleaf species and wildflowers, killing of invading shrubs, and removal of debris.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"b5d994772565f091e\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-2-1\" data-target=\"#b5d994772565f091e\" href=\"#b5d994772565f091e\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can I come to view the prescribed burn?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"b5d994772565f091e\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">No, for safety reasons, it is best to perform prescribed burns with only trained individuals onsite.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-3{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"shortcode-map fusion-google-map fusion-maps-embed-type\"><iframe width=\"auto\" height=\"300px\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed\/v1\/place?key=AIzaSyAeGnMCADO1uC8SzWS79dLVgwNW8DPbgZM&language=en&q=601+S+50th+St,+St+Joseph,+MO+64506&maptype=satellite&zoom=14\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:25% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 7.68%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 7.68%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-3{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">About the Prairie<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">The John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie is a 36-acre tallgrass prairie reconstruction project on the southeastern side of the 大象传媒 campus. The prairie is located on a former hayfield and was seeded with native wildflowers and grasses in 2020. A prescribed burn in spring 2023 has helped to establish native vegetation. The campus cross-country track provides an extensive network of walking trails that wind through the prairie. The Rushin Prairie was created in partnership with the 大象传媒 Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, 大象传媒 Master Gardeners, and the 大象传媒 cross-country program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">The prairie is open to the campus community and the general public and is used by 大象传媒 biology research teams, courses, and student groups, as well as Master Naturalist groups, scout troops, the Audubon Society, and many others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:40% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 4.8%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 4.8%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-4{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-large-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"shortcode-map fusion-google-map fusion-maps-embed-type\"><iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"300px\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed\/v1\/place?key=AIzaSyAeGnMCADO1uC8SzWS79dLVgwNW8DPbgZM&language=en&q=601+S+50th+St,+St+Joseph,+MO+64506&maptype=satellite&zoom=16\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 1% 0px 1%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-4{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">About the Prairie<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">The John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie is a 36-acre tallgrass prairie reconstruction project on the southeastern side of the 大象传媒 campus. The prairie is located on a former hayfield and was seeded with native wildflowers and grasses in 2020. A prescribed burn in spring 2023 has helped to establish native vegetation. The campus cross-country track provides an extensive network of walking trails that wind through the prairie. The Rushin Prairie was created in partnership with the 大象传媒 Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, 大象传媒 Master Gardeners, and the 大象传媒 cross-country program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt;\">The prairie is open to the campus community and the general public and is used by 大象传媒 biology research teams, courses, and student groups, as well as Master Naturalist groups, scout troops, the Audubon Society, and many others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 1% !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 1% !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-5{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-5{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">Why Are Prairies Important?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">From a distance, a prairie may seem like just a patch of grass or a hayfield, but get closer and you\u2019ll see (and hear) what makes it special. The variety of plants and animals is unlike anything you\u2019ll find in a typical yard or roadside. A sea of flowering common milkweed (<em>Asclepias syriaca<\/em>) invites dozens of monarchs (<em>Danaus plexippus<\/em>) and other butterflies. During peak migration, hundreds or thousands of monarchs can be seen in the prairies. Uncommon bumble bee species, such as the Southern Plains Bumble Bee (<em>Bombus fraternus<\/em>) are not typically found in hayfields or urban yards, but they are abundant in 大象传媒\u2019s prairies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairies are also home to plants with special requirements, such as leadplant (<em>Amorpha canescens<\/em>), a small shrub that is thought to live for centuries. Its sensitivity to soil disturbances as caused by topsoil removal makes it unlikely to be found in hayfields or roadsides. However in high-quality prairies, it is found with ease. Prairie violet (<em>Viola pedatifida<\/em>), like its more commonly found relative, <em>Viola sororia<\/em>, flower early in spring and provide an important food source for pollinators. It also doubles as the host plant for fritillaries, including the regal fritillary (<em>Speyeria idalia<\/em>), a butterfly only found on high-quality prairies. Because butterflies typically rely on specific native plants as hosts, native plant biodiversity and butterfly biodiversity are intertwined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2416 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-187x300.jpg\" alt=\"Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) with butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) in the background\" width=\"187\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-187x300.jpg 187w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-200x320.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-400x640.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-600x961.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-640x1024.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-768x1230.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-800x1281.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-959x1536.jpg 959w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-1200x1921.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a.jpg 1273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 187px) 100vw, 187px\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) with butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) in the background.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairies once made up the majority of grasslands in the Midwest; however, due to development and agriculture, only about 1% of remnant (i.e. untilled) prairie remains in the state of 大象传媒. Prairie reconstruction techniques are vital to the reestablishment of this rare and important habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:40% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 4.8%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 4.8%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"3888\" height=\"3888\" alt=\"A southern plains bumblebee on a pinkish-purple native thistle plant\" title=\"SouthernPlainsBB on native thistle &#8211; square\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square.png 3888w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Southern Plains Bumble Bee (<em>Bombus fraternus<\/em>) on native thistle (<em>Cirsium\u00a0<\/em>spp.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:25% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 7.68%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 7.68%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-8{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-8 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-6{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-large-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"3888\" height=\"3888\" alt=\"A southern plains bumblebee on a pinkish-purple native thistle plant\" title=\"SouthernPlainsBB on native thistle &#8211; square\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/SouthernPlainsBB-on-native-thistle-square.png 3888w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 3888px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Southern Plains Bumble Bee (<em>Bombus fraternus<\/em>) on native thistle (<em>Cirsium\u00a0<\/em>spp.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-9{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-9 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-6{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">Why Are Prairies Important?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">From a distance, a prairie may seem like just a patch of grass or a hayfield, but get closer and you\u2019ll see (and hear) what makes it special. The variety of plants and animals is unlike anything you\u2019ll find in a typical yard or roadside. A sea of flowering common milkweed (<em>Asclepias syriaca<\/em>) invites dozens of monarchs (<em>Danaus plexippus<\/em>) and other butterflies. During peak migration, hundreds or thousands of monarchs can be seen in the prairies. Uncommon bumble bee species, such as the Southern Plains Bumble Bee (<em>Bombus fraternus<\/em>) are not typically found in hayfields or urban yards, but they are abundant in 大象传媒\u2019s prairies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairies are also home to plants with special requirements, such as leadplant (<em>Amorpha canescens<\/em>), a small shrub that is thought to live for centuries. Its sensitivity to soil disturbances as caused by topsoil removal makes it unlikely to be found in hayfields or roadsides. However in high-quality prairies, it is found with ease. Prairie violet (<em>Viola pedatifida<\/em>), like its more commonly found relative, <em>Viola sororia<\/em>, flower early in spring and provide an important food source for pollinators. It also doubles as the host plant for fritillaries, including the regal fritillary (<em>Speyeria idalia<\/em>), a butterfly only found on high-quality prairies. Because butterflies typically rely on specific native plants as hosts, native plant biodiversity and butterfly biodiversity are intertwined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-2416 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-187x300.jpg\" alt=\"Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) with butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) in the background\" width=\"187\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-187x300.jpg 187w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-200x320.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-400x640.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-600x961.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-640x1024.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-768x1230.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-800x1281.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-959x1536.jpg 959w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a-1200x1921.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/617f2950-5456-4427-bde4-03b9c879462a.jpg 1273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 187px) 100vw, 187px\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) with butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) in the background.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairies once made up the majority of grasslands in the Midwest; however, due to development and agriculture, only about 1% of remnant (i.e. untilled) prairie remains in the state of 大象传媒. Prairie reconstruction techniques are vital to the reestablishment of this rare and important habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-7{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-small-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_4 1_4 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-5 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"3876\" height=\"3876\" alt=\"A sign stands in front of the prairie and reads &quot;Pollinator habitat restoration in progress&quot; It also states that the 大象传媒 Department of Consorvation provides support to this restoration project and conservation in the community.\" title=\"Pollinator habitat sign\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign.png 3876w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:25% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 7.68%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 7.68%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-7{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-7 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">What&#8217;s Next for the John Rushin Research Prairie?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairie reconstructions require a lot of work and a lot of patience. It is estimated that a reconstructed prairie needs approximately 30 years before it resembles a remnant prairie with regards to soil and biodiversity (Barber, <em>et. al<\/em>.). This process necessitates a great deal of elbow grease to combat invasive species and ensure that native plant biodiversity is rich. Through collaborations with students, Master Naturalists, and other organizations, we hope that the young John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie will mature into an ecosystem that is both beautiful and functional to all its visitors, humans and wildlife alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Current goals<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Combating invasive plant species<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Measuring biodiversity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Introducing more native plant species<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Reference: &#8220;Barber NA, Chantos-Davidson KM, Amel Peralta R, Sherwood JP, Swingley WD. Soil microbial community composition in tallgrass prairie restorations converge with remnants across a 27-year chronosequence. Environ Microbiol. 2017 Aug;19(8):3118-3131. doi: 10.1111\/1462-2920.13785<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:40% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 4.8%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 4.8%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-12{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-12 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-8{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-9 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-no-large-visibility\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-6 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"3876\" height=\"3876\" alt=\"A sign stands in front of the prairie and reads &quot;Pollinator habitat restoration in progress&quot; It also states that the 大象传媒 Department of Consorvation provides support to this restoration project and conservation in the community.\" title=\"Pollinator habitat sign\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Pollinator-habitat-sign.png 3876w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 3876px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-13{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-13 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 2% 0px 2%;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-8{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">What&#8217;s Next for the John Rushin Research Prairie?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Prairie reconstructions require a lot of work and a lot of patience. It is estimated that a reconstructed prairie needs approximately 30 years before it resembles a remnant prairie with regards to soil and biodiversity (Barber, <em>et. al<\/em>.). This process necessitates a great deal of elbow grease to combat invasive species and ensure that native plant biodiversity is rich. Through collaborations with students, Master Naturalists, and other organizations, we hope that the young John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie will mature into an ecosystem that is both beautiful and functional to all its visitors, humans and wildlife alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Current goals<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Combating invasive plant species<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Measuring biodiversity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Introducing more native plant species<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Reference: &#8220;Barber NA, Chantos-Davidson KM, Amel Peralta R, Sherwood JP, Swingley WD. Soil microbial community composition in tallgrass prairie restorations converge with remnants across a 27-year chronosequence. Environ Microbiol. 2017 Aug;19(8):3118-3131. doi: 10.1111\/1462-2920.13785<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-14{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-14 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 2% !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 2% !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-14{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-14 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-14{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-14 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-9{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 25px;padding-right : 30px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 30px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-10 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center\" style=\"max-width:104%;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-solid\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:1px;\"><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-9{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:31px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"font-size:30px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:31px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;font-size:1em;\">Image Gallery<\/h2><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-gallery-1 .fusion-gallery-image {border:0px solid #f6f6f6;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-gallery fusion-gallery-container fusion-grid-4 fusion-columns-total-14 fusion-gallery-layout-masonry fusion-gallery-1\" style=\"margin:-2px;\"><div class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-grid-sizer\"><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Rattlesnake Master\" title=\"Rattlesnake Master\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Rattlesnake Master\" title=\"Rattlesnake Master\" aria-label=\"Rattlesnake Master\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Rattlesnake-master-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Bee Balm\" title=\"Bee Balm\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Bee Balm\" title=\"Bee Balm\" aria-label=\"Bee Balm\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bee-Balm-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Black Swallowtail on Native Thistle\" title=\"Black Swallowtail on Native Thistle\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Black Swallowtail on Native Thistle\" title=\"Black Swallowtail on Native Thistle\" aria-label=\"Black Swallowtail on Native Thistle\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Black-Swallowtail-on-native-thistle-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Boaz Butterfly Tagging\" title=\"Boaz Butterfly Tagging\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Boaz Butterfly Tagging\" title=\"Boaz Butterfly Tagging\" aria-label=\"Boaz Butterfly Tagging\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Boaz-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas 2024\" title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas 2024\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 1.6);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-scaled.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Bumble Bee Atlas 2024\" title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas 2024\" aria-label=\"Bumble Bee Atlas 2024\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-200x267.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-400x533.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-2024-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 856px) 479px, (min-width: 784px) 638px, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas Bombus Fraternus 2024\" title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas Bombus Fraternus 2024\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Bumble Bee Atlas Bombus Fraternus 2024\" title=\"Bumble Bee Atlas Bombus Fraternus 2024\" aria-label=\"Bumble Bee Atlas Bombus Fraternus 2024\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Bumble-Bee-Atlas-Bombus-Fraternus-2024-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Butterfly Hunting\" title=\"Butterfly Hunting\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Butterfly Hunting\" title=\"Butterfly Hunting\" aria-label=\"Butterfly Hunting\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Butterfly-hunting-overview-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-grid\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence.jpg\" data-title=\"Drift fence\" title=\"Drift fence\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8 - 2.5px);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" alt=\"Drift Fence\" title=\"Drift fence\" aria-label=\"Drift fence\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Drift-fence.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 856px) 479px, (min-width: 784px) 638px, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-grid\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch.jpg\" data-title=\"Grace Allen Monarch\" title=\"Grace Allen Monarch\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8 - 2.5px);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch.jpg\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Grace Allen with a Monarch Butterfly during Tagging\" title=\"Grace Allen Monarch\" aria-label=\"Grace Allen Monarch\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Grace-Allen-Monarch.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 856px) 479px, (min-width: 784px) 638px, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Falcon Butterfly Tagging\" title=\"Falcon Butterfly Tagging\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Falcon Butterfly Tagging\" title=\"Falcon Butterfly Tagging\" aria-label=\"Falcon Butterfly Tagging\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Falcon-butterfly-tagging-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Group Milkweed Planting 2021\" title=\"Group Milkweed Planting 2021\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Group Milkweed Planting 2021\" title=\"Group Milkweed Planting 2021\" aria-label=\"Group Milkweed Planting 2021\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Group-Milkweed-Planting-2021-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 2200px) 100vw, (min-width: 712px) 784px, (min-width: 640px) 712px, \" \/><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding:2.5px;\" class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-landscape fusion-element-portrait\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Hawkmoth-on-bee-balm-scaled.jpg\" data-title=\"Hawkmoth on bee balm\" title=\"Hawkmoth on bee balm\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Hawkmoth-on-bee-balm-scaled.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Hawkmoth-on-bee-balm-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" alt=\"Hawkmoth on bee balm\" title=\"Hawkmoth on bee 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class=\"fusion-grid-column fusion-gallery-column fusion-gallery-column-4 fusion-element-grid\"><div class=\"fusion-gallery-image fusion-gallery-image-liftup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Monarch-closeup.jpg\" data-title=\"Monarch closeup\" title=\"Monarch closeup\" rel=\"noreferrer\" data-rel=\"iLightbox[gallery_image_1]\" class=\"fusion-lightbox\" target=\"_self\"><div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Monarch-closeup.jpg);padding-top:calc((100% + 4px) * 0.8 - 2.5px);\" class=\"fusion-masonry-element-container\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/prairie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/201\/2025\/08\/Monarch-closeup.jpg\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Monarch Closeup\" title=\"Monarch closeup\" aria-label=\"Monarch closeup\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2425\" 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