The board of the Prairie Guards is pleased to announce that Phase Two of our Education Expansion Project, also known as the Mount Mitchell Development Project, is well on its way to completion. The infrastructure improvements to the former Mitchell farmland we purchased in 2019 include a new entrance and access road from Mount Mitchell Road, a new parking area, and for those with mobility issues an ADA trail to the remnants of the historic Topeka Fort Riley Road. The 300-foot-long retaining wall of local limestone is a work of art that blends the parking area seamlessly with the prairie.
As with most construction projects, we ran into several “unforeseen conditions” that have put us over budget and strained our bank account. All the major undertakings of this phase of the Park’s development; the road, parking area, retaining wall, ADA trail, kiosk structure, and basic water, electrical, and internet hook-ups: work totaling close to $200,000 have been paid for thanks to generous donations over the past two years. We give special thanks to the Miller Hammond and HHM Charitable Funds whose contributions enabled us to pay off our mortgage and begin this second phase of infrastructure improvements.
We hope that our participation in the Wamego Match Day on October 5th and the Emporia Match Day on November 14th will help us raise funds to finish the following components of the project:
- Final utilities installation $32,000
- Porta-potty site preparation $5,390
- Interpretive kiosk signage design and hardware $18,500
- Stabilization of Connecticut Colony monument $3,000
- Entrance sign $13,100
- Entrance gate $4,500
- Re-seeding disturbed areas $3,500
- 6 Fireproof benches $7,500
- Foundation repair to the Mitchell Barn $8,000
Previous contributions have enabled us to expand the Park from 45 acres to 164 acres. We’ve saved more prairie from commercial and residential development, converted 100 acres of cropland back to its original prairie, and we will now be able to double the length of our trail system.
I hope you will consider helping us complete this new entrance into the Park and its accompanying infrastructure. We’ve located it in such a way that it will provide visitors with a unique prairie experience even if they cannot leave the parking area. It will accommodate school/tour buses, provide handicapped parking, and allow easy access for all to the historic features of the property. Signage in the new kiosk will tell the many fascinating stories associated with Mount Mitchell.
Many donors have helped us create this wonderful prairie Park now enjoyed by folks from all over the world. We are extremely grateful to them. If you are able, please help us finish this work.
Good job!
We are so grateful to the vision and accomplishment of Michael Stubbs and the current Prairie Guards associates.
They have significantly improved and expanded the entire heritage-dedicated area of William I. Mitchell, our grandfather.
My brother, Roe & I along with his wife and many Mitchell cousins were blessed to have taken part in heritage festivities in mid-June, 2015. Our first cousin, William “Mitch” Mitchell, of Kansas City was an outstanding personal host and guide for us.
I’m now almost the age of our grandfather when he dedicated the Mt. Mitchell properties in 1952.
William’s wife, grandmother Palmyre (“Purr”) lived with the family of her daughter, my mother, Marguerite (“Sallie”) Mitchell Goodman the last few yrs of her life. It was a blessing to know this charming, witty daughter-in-law of Capt. Mitchell.
The Lord has blessed and kept us all, just as he did in those generations past. Whenever we honor the Mitchell heritage, it is always with firm acknowledgement of God’s provision to our ancestors that must never be forgotten nor omitted in recognition of the courageous pioneer colony.
—Larry Paul Goodman
Temple Terrace, Florida
June 21,2024
I love the between-the-lines, boundless and enduring history, presented here in the statement,
“The Lord has blessed and kept us all, just as he did in those generations past. Whenever we honor the Mitchell heritage, it is always with firm acknowledgement of God’s provision to our ancestors that must never be forgotten nor omitted in recognition of the courageous pioneer colony.”
This alone creates a desire in me to make the drive from Colorado to witness this area.
Thank you for your thoughtful message and appreciation of the rich history of the Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie. The stories of those who came before us continue to inspire, and we welcome all who seek to experience the enduring legacy of the courageous pioneers who shaped this land. We hope your visit from Colorado will allow you to connect with the beauty and history of this special place!