When Captain's Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery traveled up the Missouri River in Northwest Missouri in 1804 the landscape looked much different than it does today. Rolling prairies dissected by wooded draws and river valleys covered most of this region. Captain Lewis writes that the area was "a happy mixture of prairies and groves, exhibiting the most beautiful and picturesque scene I have ever beheld". Tall grasses and colorful wildflowers dominated the prairies of Northwest Missouri. These plants were adapted to their environment- to the rainfall patterns; to all of the creatures that have evolved with them, feeding on their nectar, pollinating them; to the climate and soil of the area; to the whole web of connections that nature provides. These prairies nourished bison and elk in vast numbers and waved to native peoples and recent settlers in the sunshine of thousands of summers. They provided for people and played major roles in their raw materials, foods, medicines, and even spiritual beliefs.

As a testament to the important role that native prairies have played in the natural and cultural history of our region, we have established this garden of native prairie plants along the south side of Agenstein Hall at Missouri Western State University. It is hoped that visitors will learn about the native grasses and wildflowers growing here.