By Emily Gustafson
The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) hosted its 12th Annual Prairie BioBlitz on June 3-4 at Carver Prairie near Diamond.
June 3 was also National Prairie Day, founded by MPF.
About 70 prairie enthusiasts joined biologists and volunteer naturalists for field study groups, a fish fry and potluck dinner, and tent camping on the prairie.
Storms blew over during the afternoon, but brought much-needed relief to the early summer heat while participants learned about native prairie plants, identified butterflies and bumblebees, got up-close to amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, and observed insects like ants and leaf beetles in their natural habitat.
Local bluegrass band No Apparent Reason played a set after the potluck.
