Prairie Day comes to Shaw Nature Reserve Sept. 20

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News from the region
Saint Louis
Published Date
08/20/2014
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GRAY SUMMIT, Mo. — Discover nature and the life of pioneers by taking a step back in time during Prairie Day at the Shaw Nature Reserve on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interact with early settlers and explore what life was like on the great American frontier during this biennial event.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a day of historical activities and exhibits, storytelling, music, and food. Event admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children (ages 15 and under) and $3 for Missouri Botanical Garden members.

This family event portrays prairie heritage through fun-filled activities and demonstrations. The Reserve's 250-acre tall grass prairie provides an authentic backdrop for the day's cultural festivities. Take a guided hike with a naturalist to learn about the land and its unique natural characteristics. Visit the teepee and watch as blacksmiths and bow-and-arrow makers hone skills from days gone by. Basket weavers, quilters and artists will create and display traditional art pieces. Ride in a hay wagon and play pioneer games such as the "atl-atl throw," tomahawk throw and "rabbit sticks." Learn living history first-hand as characters re-enact the lives of early prairie inhabitants.

Experts from the Endangered Wolf Center, Missouri Heritage Foundation and the Missouri Prairie Foundation will be on hand to answer questions and share information with the public.

One enthusiastic visitor from the last Prairie Day event remarked, "Prairie day was awesome! We had a wonderful time. We loved the blacksmith demo, playing with the prairie toys, the buffalo burgers, the axe throwing, sod house, and the bird, mammal, reptile and plant exhibits! Those were just some of our favorites! There was so much to do!"

Visitors will be able to choose from a wide assortment of prairie wildflowers and grasses available for purchase from a local native plant nursery. Live bands will entertain the crowds with a variety of modern and traditional folk tunes. Enjoy bison burgers and a variety of homemade baked goods.

Prairie Day is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Shaw Nature Reserve, a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The Shaw Nature Reserve is located on the south side of Interstate 44 at exit #253 in Gray Summit less than 10 miles past the Six Flags exit.

For more information, visit shawnature.org or call (636) 451-3512.