Mission
To engage in scientific research regarding plants of the Great Plains of North America;
To carry on the scientific work begun by Claude Barr of Prairie Gem Ranch, Smithwick, South Dakota, which is to pursue greater knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the Great Plains of North America;
To disseminate this knowledge through the creation of one or more educational botanic gardens of plants of the Great Plains, featuring but not limited to Barr's discoveries; &
To engage in any educational activities which may further public familiarity with plants of the Great Plains, their uses and enjoyment.
Activities
- Annual Seed Exchange
- Members trade their hand-picked seeds with each other in order to foster wider cultivation of the Great Plains native plants in private and public gardens throughout the world.
- Field Trips
- We form groups of avid native plant students to make forays into remote sections of the Great Plains. These field trips offer our members exciting ways to learn first-hand the virtues and vices of Great Plains flora. Led by our members, past field trips have been held in conjunction with the American Penstemon Society and the Wyoming Native Plant Society. Field Trip listings here.
- Newsletter
- Members will find articles relevant to the growing interest in native plants. Each issue is a resource for information on Great Plains plants, book reviews, a calendar of native plant events, and sources for native plants and seeds.
- Great Plains Garden
- Our major project is the establishment of a complete botanic garden devoted to the Great Plains of North America and its native plants. As such, this garden will be the first of its kind. Located near
Hermosa, South Dakota, it will be a convenient and interesting place to visit for enjoyment of and learning about this unique ecoregion. The Great Plains Garden is being developed in the independent spirit of the late Claude Barr and will carry on his work to bring the native plants of the Great Plains into greater prominence.
New: Construction photos.