The Missouri Prairie Foundation was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of Greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several general goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation. What began as an all-volunteer advocacy organization has grown into a complex land trust, with more than 4,000 diverse members to serve and nearly 3,000 acres to permanently manage. Our work would not be possible without the many hours of service from our dedicated Board Members, our loyal volunteers and our committed staff.

Our People

MPF is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Our current officers and board members are as follows:

Officers

  • President and acting Treasurer Paul Cox, Kansas City
  • Vice President Stan Parrish, Walnut Grove
  • Secretary Bruce Schuette, Troy
  • Past President Steve Mowry, Trimble
  • Assistant to the Executive Board Doris Sherrick, Peculiar
  • Board Members (12 authorized, 1 current vacancy)
  • Warren B. Lammert, Jr., St. Louis
  • William A. Davit, Washington
  • Robert L. Elworth, Willard
  • George D. Nichols, Golden City
  • Wayne Morton, Osceola
  • W. Randall Washburn, Jefferson City
  • Tom Noyes, Lathrop
  • Jon Wingo, Florrisant
  • Bruce Rogers, El Dorado Springs
  • Bonnie Teel, Rich Hill
  • Page Hereford, St. Louis

Presidential Appointees (4 authorized, 2 current vacancies)

  • Galen Hasler, Madison, WI
  • Timothy Barksdale, Choteau, MT

Staff

  • Prairie Operations Manager Richard Datema, Springfield
  • *Prairie Journal Editor Carol Davit, Jefferson City

Volunteers

  • Marcia K Nelson, Columbia (MPF Web)
 

*The Editor is a long-time contractor and not a paid staff member.