By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri (MU) Extension is utilizing advanced drone technology to identify and map invasive weed species in the Prairie Fork Conservation Area, located in eastern Callaway County near Williamsburg.
This project, led by state natural resource specialist Michael Sunde, involves the use of drone-based lidar, satellite imagery, and machine learning to create detailed 3D maps of the area’s vegetation and land cover.
This two-year initiative aims to develop precise maps and 3D forest models to locate invasive plant species, including bush honeysuckle and sericea lespedeza.
These invasive species threaten the native grasslands by crowding out preferred grasses. The use of drones allows for more accurate and detailed mapping than traditional aerial photography.
The Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP), part of MU Extension, is collaborating on the project, providing geospatial data to support environmental planning and management efforts at Prairie Fork.
The Prairie Fork Conservation Area spans 711 acres and is managed by the MU School of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
It is considered a valuable ecosystem, as only 5% of Missouri’s original prairie remains intact.
The project is supported by the Prairie Fork Charitable Endowment, which aims to protect and preserve these vital natural grasslands for future generations.
Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Education