Exciting Opportunities On Donated River Property

On April 22 (Earth Day), Larry and Brenda Potterfield finalized their donation of 160 acres of Missouri Riverfront property to The Nature Conservancy of Missouri (TNC). 

Missouri River Relief is beyond excited and grateful to be part of the future vision for this beautiful property at Huntsdale. The fact that this special place is protected forever because of the generosity and vision of the Potterfields and the dedication of TNC is truly stunning. The property is bounded by one mile of Missouri River frontage along the west, Katy Trail State Park to the east, Terrapin Creek to the north and Grocery Branch Creek to the south.

Now comes the exciting phase of visioning and planning with our partners and community to make this beautiful place a river outreach, research and conservation center on the Missouri River.

At this point, we have more dreams than answers! We are so grateful that part of TNC’s future vision is for public use of the boat ramp which accesses one of our favorite reaches of the river – the Manitou Bluffs, the Big Muddy Refuge and some stunning sandbars. The ramp is currently open to the public. 

Quick Links

• The Nature Conservancy Press Release
  
  
• ARTICLE & VIDEO - "160 acres on the Missouri River donated for research, conservation and recreation" - by Reagan Di Trolio, KOMU, 4/27/22
  
  
• ARTICLE - "Potterfield donates over 160 acres in Boone County to The Nature Conservancy" - by Mavis Chan, Columbia Missourian, 4/27/22
  
  
• ARTICLE - "Why Larry and Brenda Potterfield donated more than 160 acres to The Nature Conservancy" - by Lauren Tronstad, Columbia Tribune, 4/27/22
  
  
• Just before this donation occurred, River Relief invited dozens of volunteers and partners to brainstorm on ideas for a future river center (being totally unaware of the upcoming news). Here's a compiled list of ideas, visions and dreams from that River Center Charrette. 

Next Steps

The Nature Conservancy will partner with Missouri River Relief, other partners, and community stakeholders to vision out the highest and best use for the property as it relates to our mission and the needs of the surrounding community. Floodplain restoration and native plantings will most certainly be a part of the plan for the property itself- making it a valuable asset for the river, the plants and animals that rely on floodplain habitat, and lovers of nature and wildlife.

The building and associated infrastructure will also be part of the visioning process. Missouri River Relief and The Nature Conservancy will utilize the space for advancing their missions via education, outreach, research, and deeply engaging the community with the beauty and importance of the Missouri River.

Larry and Brenda Potterfield discuss river dreams with MRR Development Manager Lisa Cole.