Large areas of Lawrence County were historically dominated by tallgrass prairie. Over time, much of this community type has disappeared due to development and conversion to row crops or non-native cool-season grassland.
Linden's Prairie is a 174-acre tract of high quality prairie remnant near Mount Vernon, MO. Linden's Prairie was acquired by the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) in 2014 and named for Ms. Linden Trial, an MPF member and dragonfly and damselfly researcher for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Funds from a generous bequest from Linden Trial and a grant from the Robert J. Trulaske Jr. Family Foundation made the purchase possible. Prior to MPF acquisition, the prairie was owned, protected, and managed for many generations by the Cox Family.
Over 190 native plant species have been documented on the property thus far, of which 41 species are indicative of high floristic quality. This prairie also supports a variety of grassland birds and many native insect species.
Linden's Prairie is located in Lawrence County on CR 2120 about 6 miles west of Mt Vernon. From I-44, take exit 38 north on MO 97. Drive 2 miles north into the town of Stott's City and turn east onto CR 2120 (Mt Vernon St). Drive 2.2 miles and look for the grass pull-in on the left (north). By GPS, N37 6.181 W93 54.535 (in decimal degrees, 37.10302 -93.90892).
MO
United States