February18 (Saturday), 1PM: Region 5 Central Iowa Winter Workshop. DMACC campus, Ankeny, IA.
March 4 (Saturday), Noon: Region 6 Winter workshop:Potluck and Orchids (Scroll to bottom of link for info) Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, Ottumwa, IA.
March 7 (Tuesday), 6:30PM: Prairie Preview XXIII: Indiangrass Hills... A Conservation Legacy. Montgomery Hall, 4H Fairgrounds, Old Highway 218 South, Iowa City.
April 7 (Saturday), Jasper Co., Noon - 1:30 PM, Neal Smith Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Book Signing. Author Sneed B. Collard III will sign copies of his award winning book about Neal Smith NWR, The Prairie Builders, and Butterfly Count. Program begins at noon. For directions and more info call 515.994.3400 or see www.tallgrass.org
April 14 (Friday), Mahaska Co. 6PM, Cedar Bluffs State Preserve Spring Ephemeral Hike. Approx. 10 miles SW of Oskaloosa, contact Pam White (pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508) for more information and directions.
April 22 (Saturday), 10AM: Prairie Rescue, Garlic Mustard Pull at Rochester Cemetery. Come for the annual pull at this Eastern Iowa Gem. Contact Casey Kohrt or Pete Kollasch for more info.
April 22 (Saturday), Lucas Co. 9 AM, Prairie Rescue at the Cinder Path. Join Lucas Cnty Cons. Board to conduct a prescribed burn along the cinder path. Take Hwy 34 to Chariton, turn S on Hwy 14 for ~3 miles to the intersection with H50. Take H50 west for approx. 5 miles, meet at Cinder Path trail crossing. Contact: Pam White pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508, or Brant Schmell bschmell@iowatelecom.net
April 22, (Saturday), Pottawattamie Co., 10 AM, Prairie Rescue at Vincent Bluffs. Vincent Bluffs Preserve is located on top of the hill at the intersection of Woodbury Avenue and Harry Langdon Blvd., on the southern edge of Council Bluffs. Invasive cedars will be cut out, old tires removed etc. Contact Glenn Pollock
April 23 ( Sunday), Cherokee Co. 1 PM, Wildflower Walkabout, Martin Area Park Group Shelter, 4576 Martin Access Road. Cherokee County Conservation Board Naturalist will lead a stroll along the park roads and trails to admire the spring wildflowers of the woodlands and prairies. They won't be blooming long, so don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the wide array of colors, scents and stories! Call 712-225-6709 for more info.
April 7 (Saturday), Jasper Co., Noon - 1:30 PM, Neal Smith Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Book Signing. Author Sneed B. Collard III will sign copies of his award winning book about Neal Smith NWR, The Prairie Builders, and Butterfly Count. Program begins at noon. For directions and more info call 515.994.3400 or see www.tallgrass.org
April 14 (Friday), Mahaska Co. 6PM, Cedar Bluffs State Preserve Spring Ephemeral Hike. Approx. 10 miles SW of Oskaloosa, contact Pam White (pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508) for more information and directions.
April 22 (Saturday), 10AM: Prairie Rescue, Garlic Mustard Pull at Rochester Cemetery. Come for the annual pull at this Eastern Iowa Gem. Contact Casey Kohrt or Pete Kollasch for more info.
April 22 (Saturday), Lucas Co. 9 AM, Prairie Rescue at the Cinder Path. Join Lucas Cnty Cons. Board to conduct a prescribed burn along the cinder path. Take Hwy 34 to Chariton, turn S on Hwy 14 for ~3 miles to the intersection with H50. Take H50 west for approx. 5 miles, meet at Cinder Path trail crossing. Contact: Pam White pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508, or Brant Schmell bschmell@iowatelecom.net
April 22, (Saturday), Pottawattamie Co., 10 AM, Prairie Rescue at Vincent Bluffs. Vincent Bluffs Preserve is located on top of the hill at the intersection of Woodbury Avenue and Harry Langdon Blvd., on the southern edge of Council Bluffs. Invasive cedars will be cut out, old tires removed etc. Contact Glenn Pollock
April 23 ( Sunday), Cherokee Co. 1 PM, Wildflower Walkabout, Martin Area Park Group Shelter, 4576 Martin Access Road. Cherokee County Conservation Board Naturalist will lead a stroll along the park roads and trails to admire the spring wildflowers of the woodlands and prairies. They won't be blooming long, so don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the wide array of colors, scents and stories! Call 712-225-6709 for more info.
April 27 (Thursday), Black Hawk Co. 9AM - 2PM Seedling Identification workshop. Learn to identify seedling characteristics of common prairie legumes and grasses using living specimens and hand lens. Compare and contrast desirable native seedlings with weeds. $45 registration includes lunch, seedling ID booklet and 4 pak of seedlings to take home. More info: Tallgrass Prairie Center, UNI, 2412 W 27th St., Cedar Falls. 319.273.3005
April 29 (Saturday), Mahaska Co., 10 AM, Cedar Bluffs State Preserve Wildflower Hike and Savanna Rescue. Bring lunch, wear gloves long pants, sturdy clothing. We hope to see many uncommon wildflowers such as squirrel corn and Bishop's Cap. Located about 10 miles SW of Oskaloosa. Contact Pam White for more info pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508.
May 6 (Saturday), Jasper Co., 10 AM, Oak Savanna tour on Drobney/Bryant property. Tour an oak savanna in the early stages of restoration, owned and managed by Pauline Drobney and Scott Bryant. From Prairie City take county rd Sg6 S 5 miles to F70, go W on F70 3 miles to 125th St. Go N on gravel rd approx 3/4 mile to farmstead on E side of rd. Contact: Pam White pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508 or Brant Schmell, bschmell@iowatelecom.net.
May 7 (Sunday), 10AM: Prairie Rescue, Garlic Mustard Pull at Rochester Cemetery. Contact Pete Kollasch for more info.
May 12 (Friday), Mahaska Co., 6:30 PM, Lake Hawthorn Monthly Hike. This year our evening hikes will be the 2nd Friday of each month, May-Sept. (except July, we'll meet on Thursday July 13) Meet at the boat ramp parking area on the E side of Lake Hawthorn, on Victoria Ave 3/4 mile N of intersection of Victoria Ave. & 130th St. This is also one mile E of V13, and about 2.5 miles S of Barnes City. Contact: Pam White pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508 or Brant Schmell, bschmell@iowatelecom.net
May 13 (Saturday), Cherokee Co. 10 AM. Mushroom Meander, Morels for Moms. Martin Area Park, Group Shelter, 4576 Martin Access Road, Cherokee, It's Mother's Day Weekend, so bring your mom out for a morel mushroom hunt! Ever wanted to know where to look for the delicious morel mushroom? Unsure of the differences between a morel and any other toadstool? The secrets will be revealed during this walk through the park. IF we find our prize, we will cook them up at the end of our walk. Call 712-225-6709 for more info.
May 19 - 21 (Friday - Sunday), Rock Island, IL 2006 Joint Annual Meeting, Iowa & Illinois Native Plant Societies. Many great field trips and speakers, and a banquet. Contact: www.iastate.edu/~herbarium/inps/docs/Joint-Meeting-2006.doc or Alec Schorg, 563.940.2157
May 20 (Saturday), 10AM: Prairie Rescue, Garlic Mustard Pull at Rochester Cemetery.Contact Casey Kohrt or Pete Kollasch for more info.
May 25 (Thursday), Story Co. 7 PM, Doolittle Evening Prairie Hike. Join Trish Patrick and Lloyd Crim for an informal walk through Doolittle Prairie on the 4th Thursday evening of May - August. To get to this diverse remnant pothole prairie take exit 123 (Roland) off I-35 and travel W on E18 about 1/2 mile. Turn S on 560th Ave. (gravel) and travel approx 1.5 miles, follow lane W to the preserve. Contact: Lloyd Crim 515.432.5026, lcrim@opencominc.com
May 25 (Thursday), 6PM-9PM, Audubon County, Stewards of the Beautiful Land Workshop
May 27 (Saturday), Montgomery Co. 10 AM, Cypripedium hike. From the intersection of M63 and Hwy 34 (just N of Stanton) travel one mile E, turn S at gravel road. Travel approx one mile, passing under the RR. Park in front of red gate. Contact: Glenn Pollock, 402-571-6230.
May 27 (Saturday), Polk Co., 7 AM - noon, Native Plant Sale. Approximately 60 species of pots and plugs available, Des Moines Farmer's Market in downtown Des Moines. Contact: Inger Lamb, 515.963.7681, 515.250.1693 cell/messages.
June 1 (Thursday), Wapello Co., 6PM, Eddyville Dunes Tour and Prairie Planting. Help the Wapello County Conservation Board plant prairie plants from their greenhouse, and tour this unique area. Contact: Pam White (pam-white@usa.net, 641-673-3508 or WCCB at 642.682.3091
June 1 (Thursday), 6PM-9PM, Central Iowa, Stewards of the Beautiful Land Workshop
June 2-4 (Friday-Sunday), Monona Co. Loess Hills Seminar, Sylvan Runkel Preserve. For more information contact Dianne Blankenship, bennaid@hotmail.com or see http://www.aea12.k12.ia.us/services/loesshillsseminar/
June 9 (Friday), Mahaska Co., 6:30 PM, Lake Hawthorn
Monthly Hike - This year our evening hikes will be the 2nd Friday of
each month, May—Sept. (except July, we’ll meet on Thursday July 13) Meet
at the boat ramp parking area on the E side of Lake Hawthorn, on
Victoria Ave 3/4 mile N of intersection of Victoria Ave. & 130th St.
This is also one mile E of V13, and about 2.5 miles S of Barnes City.
Contact: Pam White ( pam-white@usa.net , 641-673-3508), or Brant Schmell (
bschmell@iowatelecom.net,
641-898-7534).
June 10 (Saturday), Lucas Co., 10 AM, Rassler/Ryun
Prairie and Savanna Tour - (and Free Lunch!) Explore the prairie and
savanna remnants on the homesite of Steve Rassler and Deb Ryun. Lunch
will be provided! Directions: Highway 5 through Carlisle, to the hwy 92
4-way stop. Straight thru on S44 to Melcher Dallas, continues south to
stop sign south of town. Turn right (west) on G76, in about a mile turn
left (south) on S45. Turn right (south) on highway 14, stay on Highway
14 to Chariton, then just past the hospital turn east (left) on H32, go
about 6.5 miles and turn south (right) on 277th Trail, at the bottom of
a long hill just before a bridge. You’ll climb a windy-hill, and in
about 1.5 miles, you’ll see a mailbox (48961 on the blue sign, 339A on
the mailbox) and the new barn and orchard on the west (right) side of
the road. Park and stay a while.Contact Steve or Deb for more info:
641.774.5326, cell phones 319-721-6313 or 6618.
June 17 (Saturday), Madison Co., 9:30 AM, Prairies of
Madison County (and free lunch!) - Plan to see scurfy pea in bloom
as you tour the prairies and savannas of Madison Co., and assist the
tour leaders as they work to compile a plant species list for these
sites. Meet in Peru: Truro/G-68 exit off I-35, go W to 4 way stop in
Peru, the L on block and R to church parking lot. Contact Laurie (
Fenimore1956@msn.com, 515-967-4167) or Roslea Johnson (515.276.7351)
for more info and/or if you’d like to join the group for lunch.
June 18 (Sunday): Story Co., 10 AM Harker Savanna
Walk - A private 50-acre oak savanna E of Cambridge in the 2nd year
of restoration, with new plants showing up. Caution: steep slopes and
briars. Contact Cindy Hildebrand ( grantridge@aol.com, 515-232-3807) for
info on location, parking, and rain date.
June 22 (Thursday), Story Co. 7 PM, Doolittle Evening
Prairie Hike - Join Trish Patrick and Lloyd Crim for an informal
walk through Doolittle Prairie on the 4th Thursday evening of May -
August. To get to this diverse remnant pothole prairie take exit 123
(Roland) off I-35 and travel W on E18 about 1/2 mile. Turn S on 560th
Ave. (gravel) and travel approx 1.5 miles, follow lane W to the
preserve. Contact: Lloyd Crim 515.432.5026,
lcrim@opencominc.com.
June 24 (Saturday) 9am - 3
pm, Summer Solstice, Country Homestead B&B. Celebrate the
longest day of the year. Spend time in the native prairie of the Loess
prairie seed in season -possibilities include-Blue Eyed Grass; Butterfly
Milkweed; Downy Painted Cup; Hoary Puccoon; June Grass; Loco Weed; Missouri
Milk Vetch; Panicum Grass; Penstemon; Porcupine Grass; Prairie Sage; Prairie
Turnip; Silver Scurf Pea. Following seed harvest will be a potluck
cookout over a cedar cadaver campfire. Beverage and whole-grain bread, and
grass-fed organic beef burgers will be provided. Bring something to put in
the potluck. Around the mealtime those gathered will acknowledge the
place of the Summer Solstice among the seasons and do some sharing of
reflections-over the ways we find ourselves affirming life these days, the
abiding concerns we have over the future of the planet, and the ways in
which we might make a concerted effort to be instruments of healing.
If you want to be certain that your grass-fed burger is here for you, be
sure to respond and reserve a spot.
June 24 (Saturday), Franklin Co. 1 PM, Walking Tour
of Kothenbeutal Heritage Prairie - This unusual remnant prairie was
recently purchased by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation with support
from the IPN Winter Meeting silent auction proceeds. From Sheffield take
C13 east 2 miles to Spruce Ave., go S approx 1.5 miles, to 240th St.,
turn east and go about 1/2 mile, prairie is on north side. Contact:
Brian Fankhauser (bfankhauser@INHF.ORG, 515-290.2808) or Dave Hansen, (
billdaveh@yahoo.com, 641-357-3665).
June 25 (Sunday), Story Co., 10 AM, Grant Ridge Walk
- A private 72-acre prairie remnant/reconstruction area south of Nevada.
Please contact Cindy Hildebrand( grantridge@aol.com, 515-232-3807) for
info on location, parking, and rain date.
June 27 (Tuesday), Story Co., 5 - 7 PM, Doolittle Prairie Seed Harvest - Join the IPN, Story County Conservation Board, and the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Unit to collect seed from this diverse remnant pothole prairie. Seed will be used to increase diversity on local reconstructed prairies (both Story CCB and IDNR). Take exit 123 (Roland) off I-35 and travel W on E18 about 1/2 mile. Turn S on 560th Ave. (gravel) and travel approx 1.5 miles, follow lane W to the preserve. More info: Inger Lamb (ingerlamb3@mchsi.com, 515.250.1693) or Bill Johnson (William.Johnson@dnr.state.ia.us, 515.432.2823).
July 1 (Saturday), Story Co, 10 AM, Stargrass Walk
- A private 25-acre prairie reconstruction southeast of Ames. Please
contact Cindy Hildebrand ( grantridge@aol.com, 515-232-3807) for info on
location, parking, and rain date.
July 13 (THURSDAY) Mahaska Co., 6:30 PM, Lake
Hawthorn Monthly Hike - See June 9 entry for details, this month
we’ll hike on Thursday because the IPN Annual Prairie Party is July
14-15.
July 14-15 (Friday-Saturday), Johnson Co.,
Annual IPN
Prairie Party - Highlights include a keynote talk by Iowa State
University professor Jim Pease, a presentation and field trip to
Rochester Cemetery (20 acres, 300 species!) by University of Iowa
professor Diana Horton, a talk and field trip about wetland restoration
by Lon Drake, and the premier showing of Mark's new video, "All Roads
Lead to a Tallgrass Revival." All that in addition to enjoying Mark and
wife Valerie Cool's great homesite, and tours of nearby Kent Park
Williams Prairie. And entertainment by Lazy Boy and the Recliners!
Registration forms will be mailed late June. More info: Mark Muller:
maxheat@juno.com , 319-645-2250 or Inger Lamb (
ingerlamb3@mchsi.com ,
515.250.1693).
June 17 (Saturday), Story Co: Harker Savanna Walk, 10
AM - A private 50-acre oak savanna east of Cambridge in the second
year of restoration, with new plants showing up. Caution: steep slopes
and thorns. Please contact Cindy Hildebrand for info on location,
parking, and rain date ( grantridge@aol.com or 515-232-3807).
July 21 & 22 (Friday - Saturday), Polk Co., 5 -7 PM
Mini Mitchellville Prairie tour - As part of the Mitchellville
Sesquicentennial, Fenimores Laurie and Dan will host evening tours of
their local ecotype backyard prairie. More info: Laurie Fenimore,(
Fenimore1956@msn.com ,
515-967-4167).
July 27 (Thursday), Story Co. 7 PM, Doolittle Evening
Prairie Hike - Details listed under June 22 hike.
August 5 (Saturday), Appanoose Co., 6 PM, Evening
Prairie Walk and Ice Cream Treat - Walk through the hills and dales
of NE Appanoose Co. then cool down with a (homemade) ice cream social.
Meet at Fred Duvall residence: Hwy 5 to Moravia junction, then E through
Moravia on 405th St , go about 1.5 miles after pavement turns to gravel.
Look for schoolhouse on S side of rd. Contact: Brant Schmell (
bschmell@iowatelecom.net ,
641-898-7534).
August 11 (Friday), Mahaska Co., 6:30 PM, Lake
Hawthorn Monthly Hike - Details listed in June 9 entry.
August 24 (Thursday), Story Co. 7 PM, Doolittle
Evening Prairie Hike - Details listed in June 22 entry.
September 8 (Friday), Mahaska Co., 6:30 PM, Lake
Hawthorn Monthly Hike - Details listed in June 9 entry.
September 23 (Saturday), Cherokee Co., 10 AM, Steele
Prairie Seed Harvest - Join IPN members, the Cherokee County
Conservation Board and the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Unit as they
harvest seed from Steele Preserve for use on nearby reconstructed
prairies. No plant identification skills needed - everyone is welcome!
Contact info: Ginger Vietor, ( gvietor@evertek.net , 712.295.6005) or
Inger Lamb ( ingerlamb3@mchsi.com ,
515.250.1693).
September 16 (Saturday), Mahaska Co., Noon, Prairie & Savanna Hike, Potluck Lunch - Tour Ed & Leila Scharff’s place, with savanna, woodland, and prairie remnant restoration areas. Hwy 63 S of Ottumwa to Floris/J15 turnoff, go E through Floris. About one mile past cemetery turn R onto Silver Trail, go about 2 miles, find name on mailbox. Contact: Pam White ( pam-white@usa.net , 641-673-3508), or Brant Schmell ( bschmell@iowatelecom.net , 641-898-7534).
September 23 (Saturday), 8
am to 3 pm, Country Homestead B&B. Knowing you enjoy the
out-of-doors we're inviting you to the Autumnal Equinox Cider Festival and
Potluck in the Heart of the Loess Hills. Bring a potluck dish and/or some
apples, whole grains, horseradish to be processed.
September 30, (Saturday), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Marshall Co. Dedication ceremony for Marietta Sand Prairie Addition. A short ceremony at 1:00 will dedicate our new 212-acre addition to Marietta Sand Prairie. After the dedication, we'll wander into the original prairie and hand-collect a variety of seeds to be planted later on the addition. This is a fun event for all ages. Bring the whole family and friends! Come whenever you want, and stay as long as you wish. Long pants, comfortable shoes, gloves, sunscreen, & hat are recommended. Water & light snacks provided. Hosted by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Marshall County Conservation Board. Pre-registration is recommended. Please contact Marshall CCB at 641-752-5490. Directions: Western Marshall County, 3 miles west of Albion on Knapp Avenue and about a half mile north of 180th Street.