Organizing a Workday at Jerry Smith Prairie

Capstone Project Report

By Jenna Wilkins 2024

For our Missouri Master Naturalist capstone project, Chhaya Kolavalli and I organized a volunteer workday at Jerry Smith Remnant Prairie to remove invasive species, particularly bush honeysuckle and Callery pear. Our partner organization was KC WildLands, who has led efforts to restore the 40 acres of prairie since 1998. Hunter Moore, program manager at the organization, provided us with a tour of the site, an explanation of their conservation goals, and, crucially, many pairs of loppers, gloves, and glyphosate to make our workday a success.

On a drizzly day in December 2024, seven volunteers joined us (including six from our recently graduated 2024 MMN cohort!) to cut back the invasive species and apply herbicide to the stumps. The tract of land we worked had had a prescribed burn a few days before. The honeysuckle and Callery pear had impeded the burn where they were growing, further emphasizing the challenges that they present to restoration efforts on the remnant prairie. After 3 hours, our small group had cleared about a half-acre of land and shared a well-earned snack of hot cider and donuts as we admired our work. 

We learned so much from the experience. There was the obvious knowledge gained in how to identify and remove invasive species, as well as the more subtle aspects of organizing volunteer efforts. For example, learning how to utilize groups.io to announce the event and attract volunteers. We also felt the relationships we built with our partner organization staff and fellow MMNs will pay dividends as we continue this work into the future. Even a casual encounter with a dog-walker during the workday showed us the value of hosting such events as a tool for educating the public.

Chhaya and I are both very grateful for the experience and the opportunity to be of service!