INHF 25th Anniversary Event #3
Prairie Rescue

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Experience how past generations saw Iowa--and preserve that experience for future generations--by volunteering for this prairie rescue event. Help remove small trees and other woody species that threaten to take over and destroy the native prairie. You'll work, you'll learn, you'll have fun…and you'll do a lot of good!

Event details
At one time prairie covered almost 80 percent of the state, but now 99.9 percent of it is gone. Though Iowa's prairies once maintained themselves through prairie fire and other natural means, many of our remaining prairies require human intervention to keep them healthy.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, along with several other public and private conservation groups, organizes a statewide prairie rescue every year. Rolling Thunder Prairie is one of 24 prairies scheduled for rescue during the 2004 statewide campaign. The goal of all prairie rescue events is to help citizens better understand Iowa's natural resources while taking action to protect them from invasive plant species.

As one of Iowa's largest prairie remnants and a state preserve, Rolling Thunder Prairie offers a great introduction to prairies and "rescue" work. Volunteers will remove the invasive woody species that, unchecked, destroy this precious resource.

Participants will be supervised by staff or experienced volunteers in using hand pruners or loppers. Any needed safety equipment will be provided. WCCB and INHF staff will be on hand to handle any work requiring a chain saw.

Along with the hands-on education of the rescue, knowledgeable staff will discuss various aspects of prairie management and answer any questions about prairies, prairie plants and wildlife, and more. Weather permitting, there will also be a small, prescribed burn for volunteers to watch.

Participants for this event should come prepared for light physical work and dress in comfortable clothes. If possible, bring loppers or tools to cut small trees. Be sure to wear gloves, hats, good hiking boots and bring water. Snacks will be provided at the rescue site. This work is not suitable for very small children, but it's something a child age 8 or older could do and enjoy. Note that there are no onsite restrooms available.

For more 2004 prairie rescue events held at prairies statewide click here, or to read the Rolling Thunder Press release click here.

The story behind this place
Approximately 200 acres of this 282-acre area have never been plowed. Because of its high quality native prairie, in 1981 INHF worked closely with the Warren County Conservation Board (WCCB) to negotiate the purchase of 122 acres of tallgrass prairie to establish Rolling Thunder Prairie. Two more 80-acre additions were acquired in 1991 and 1992 with INHF's assistance. All three purchases were partially funded by the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund. INHF helped WCCB in all three land purchases by providing interim funding needed to match the grant until WCCB could raise funding.

The purchase of the 282-acre prairie was only half the battle. The management of the native prairie today is a continuing process. With careful and persistent efforts, Rolling Thunder is now home to a variety of native vegetation from needle and June grass dominating the dry prairie along the ridgetops to big bluestem and Indian grass on the slopes to woodland along the creek.

The original 122 acres is now designated a state preserve.

Partner Information
The Warren County Conservation Board is to encourage a state of harmony between people and the land communities upon which our lives and welfare depend, through programs of conservation, preservation and education. It currently manages over 1,200 acres of land for the benefit of its citizens.
wccb@mindspring.com

Site Map
http://www.warrenccb.org/publicareas/rtp.html
Rolling Thunder is located in the southwest corner of Warren County, approximately 14 miles southwest of Indianola. The prairie is on 80th Avenue, four miles east of New Virginia on Highway G76 and one half mile north.Participants will meet at the parking area shown toward the south end of the site map.

Driving Directions
Rolling Thunder is located in the southwest corner of Warren County, approximately 14 miles southwest of Indianola. The prairie is on 80th Avenue, four miles east of New Virginia on Highway G76 and one half mile north.

Visitor Info
Indianola Chamber of Commerce
515-961-6269
chamber@indianolachamber.com

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