The Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Annual Dinner, held virtually on August 20, is a celebration of Missouri’s prairie legacy. During the event, the 55-year-old prairie conservation organization and land trust paid tribute to seven awardees.

The seven awards include the Clair L. Kucera Prairie Landowner of the Year Award, William A. Davit Prairie Communicator of the Year, Bill T. Crawford Prairie Professional of the Year Award, two Grow Native! Native Plant Pioneer Awards and Grow Native! Native Plant Protector Award.

Mark Belwood of Marshall was awarded the 2021 Clair L. Kucera Prairie Landowner of the Year Award.

According to a press release, Mark Belwood is an agricultural producer who owns hundreds of acres of row crops, as well as nearly 60 acres of diverse prairie plantings, wooded acres, and a small glade. Belwood’s prairie plantings are exceptionally well managed and diverse. He has established buffer strips of prairie plants along some of his row crops that provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, and reduce runoff and erosion. Mark is vigilant about controlling invasive plants and manages his glade to protect its special biological attributes.

Officials say Belwood has welcomed many people to his property to learn about his prairie plantings. For instance, he hosted the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Prairie Eclipse Party in 2017 and provided tours of his plantings. Belwood never stops learning about prairie ecology and applies what he learns to make his plantings and glade as well managed as possible.

Missouri Prairie Foundation President David Young says, “Protecting and promoting them requires dedication and commitment from many people. Our award program recognizes individuals who have made or are making a positive difference in the conservation of Missouri’s prairie legacy and in the promotion or protection of native plants.”