At the Dunn Ranch/Nature Conservancy located approximately 9 miles northwest of Eagleville

The seventh annual rite of viewing the birds kicks off March 15, 2008 when springtime courtship rituals begin in earnest. The viewing will continue through April 27, conservation officials said.

Visitors will be able to watch activity on the spring booming grounds from the cover of a guided blind. This year, they are going to transport the people from the parking lot to the blind. A trailer hooked to an ATV will act as a shuttle. Formerly, guests had to walk a half-mile to reach the viewing spots.

Registrations for Prairie Chicken viewing began Feb. 1 and are required by March 15. Only eight viewing spots will be available each morning. Participants must register in advance by calling 816-271-3100 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Upon registration guests will be sent a complete information packet including maps, times, what to bring & what to expect.

 
On the 2281 acres of the Dunn Ranch & the 710 acres of the Pawnee Prairie you will be taken back to the 1800's and the prairies that were abundant then. As you walk through the native tallgrass, you will hear the upland sandpiper and see thousands of a wide variety of butterflies. In the spring, you will hear the booming of Prairie Chickens and see their bright orange neck patches inflate as they display and call for a mate. There are many wild flowers to enjoy and workers are in the process of cultivating more. Below are a couple of the species of wildflowers found on the conservancy.

Blazing Star/Button Snakeroot/Gayfeather

Plants of the genus Liatris, showy North American perennials of the family Asteraceae (aster family). The blossoms, rosy purple or white, are in somewhat feathery heads along a usually wandlike stalk. Medicinal use has been made of a few species by both Native Americans and settlers. Some are called gayfeather. Blazing star is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Asterales, family Asteraceae. These plants are celebrated for their all exipharmic powers in bites of venomous snakes. Experts states that, when bitten, the inhabitants of the southern states bruise the bulbous roots, and apply them to the wound.  These plants are diuretic, with tonic, stimulant, and emmenagogue properties.

Read about these plants here

The Rattlesnake Master Plant

The root of Rattlesnake Master is claimed to have many medical uses---one of which is to cure rattlesnake bites. When dried, it is a favorite in flower arrangements. Rattlesnake master reaches a height of 2 to 6 feet. It produces thistle-like flower heads with white flowers from June to August. It is found in prairies, open woods, and thickets throughout the United States.

Wildflowers make beautiful bouquets!
(These were not picked on the Nature Conservancy :)