DES MOINES - Iowa volunteers are encouraged to get back to their roots in the 6th annual statewide Prairie Rescue event. Prairie workdays will be held at approximately 25 sites across the state. Volunteers can take part in numerous prairie management activities including: removal of non-native species and encroaching trees and shrubs, planting of native wildflowers and grasses, and monitoring prescribed burns. These workdays will take place on most weekends during March, April, and May.

Prairie is an important part of Iowa's natural and cultural heritage. At the time of Lewis and Clark expedition, 27 million acres of prairie covered Iowa's landscape. Seas of rolling grass were the first sight of Iowa glimpsed by settlers, who saw the opportunities the Iowa landscape afforded and chose to sink their own roots here. Unfortunately, only 0.1%, or approximately 30,000 acres, of the original prairies experienced by Native Americans and early settlers remain intact today.

Prairie remnants are scattered throughout the state in small patches, most of which are surrounded by encroaching invasive plants. The pre-settlement prairie ecosystem was renewed by natural grazing and periodic fires that swept over the landscape. These fires have been suppressed over the past 150 years. Without proper management, which includes prescribed burns and removal of invasive non-prairie species, Iowa's remaining prairie remnants could be lost forever.

This year's prairie rescue is a chance for Iowans to literally get back to their roots and experience the living history of Iowa's prairies while preserving this legacy for future generations. Individuals, families and organizations are all invited to participate. Most sites are looking for volunteers to clear invading brush and trees from Iowa's prairie remnants, and some offer prairie planting. A few events include managed prairie burns (weather permitting) that the public can watch. No matter which event you attend, on-site experts will provide guidance and prairie education. All that is needed now is your participation.

Get your hands dirty for a good cause. Several private and public conservation groups are sponsoring sites this spring including the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Keepers of the Land/AmeriCorps, Loess Hills Preservation Society, Iowa Prairie Network and the Grinnell College Center for Prairie Studies.

A few sites already selected include Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, on April 2, Waubonsie State Park, on April 9, Hayden Prairie State Preserve, on April 16, Breen Prairie Farm, on April 23, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Nine Eagles State Park, both on April 30, Mines of Spain Recreation Area, on May 7, and Harrier Marsh, on May 14.

Events take place in the mornings and afternoons, and volunteer activities vary from site to site. In general, volunteers should dress for the weather (pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended) and consider bringing a hat, sunscreen and water. For more information about Prairie Rescue and specific sites around the state, visit the web at: www.inhf.org/prairierescue2005.html. Additional questions can be directed to Katie Kemp at (515) 281-3134 or Katie.Kemp@dnr.stat.ia.us.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page