Title:

G97-NPS-16 Naturescape: A Living Classroom

Sponsor:

LaPlata, City of

Project Manager:

Beverly Richardson
101 South Gex St.
LaPlata, MO 63549
816-332-7166

Project Period:

4/1/1997 - 4/30/1998

319 Grant Funds:

$747.60

Naturescape: A Living Classroom
City of LaPlata

The name LaPlata means "silver" The first traveler to the area saw the prairie grasses blowing in the wind and it reminded him of a silver river. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Depot is an excellent place to display a naturescape. This depot, rebuilt in 1945 over the original structure that burned down, is still used today. It is the most unique depot on the Los Angeles to Chicago Amtrak Line. Work on the depot is still in progress. By enhancing the depot with the Living Classroom, the city of LaPlata can educate the public to some environmentally sound landscape management practices while reminding them of their pioneer heritage.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project will demonstrate and inform the general public and schools about the landscape possibilities of native and adapted grasses, wildflowers and perennials. These plantings require less water and fertilizer as well as holding soil in place, to decrease erosion.

OBJECTIVES

1. Educate the general public and schools to the landscape capabilities of ornamental grasses, wildflowers and prennials
2. Reduce runoff by planting drought resistant plants
3. Reduce pesticide and fertilizer use by planting native species
4. Demonstrate the beauty and variability of these native species to the community and visitors of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Depot

PRODUCTS

Sign
Brochure
Naturescape demonstration area
Quarterly and Final Reports

PROJECT SPONSOR

University of Missouri Extension Council of Dallas Co.

COOPERATING AGENCIES

Friends of LaPlata Preservation - Ann Bullock, President

CONTACT

City of LaPlata
101 S. Gex
LaPlata, Mo 63549
Beverly Richardson