DES MOINES - Volunteers of all ages will help "rescue" prairie at more than 15 sites throughout Iowa during March, April and May.

This annual event is coordinated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with support from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, county conservation boards and private conservation groups.

For a complete listing of all Iowa Prairie Rescue sites, visit the Prairie Rescue website at www.inhf.org/prairierescue2008.html. The events are also listed on the Iowa DNR Keepers of the Land events calendar at www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer/index.html.

Today, only about 1/1,000th of Iowa's prairie remains. These small prairie remnants, even those in public ownership, are still at risk from encroaching species and the lack of historic fire and grazing patterns.

Volunteers will clear invasive species such as brush and small trees from the sites. Experts will conduct controlled burns on some of the prairies. These efforts will allow adults and kids to experience the prairies Iowa's earlier generations saw, while preserving that experience for future generations.

Questions may be directed to Whitney Davis, Iowa DNR, at 515-281-6271 or Whitney.Davis@dnr.iowa.gov