Prairie Rescue 2005

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list of rescue sites   clickable locations map  statewide press release

Located at the heart of the tall-grass prairie region, Iowa's landscape was dominated by prairie when European explorers and settlers arrived. As the land was plowed and drained, its prairie-sustaining fires suppressed, and its native grazing animals removed, Iowa's prairies were slowly lost. Today, only about 1/1000th of that prairie remains. Equally alarming, these tiny prairie remnants--even those in public ownership--are still at risk from encroaching species and the lack of historic fire and grazing patterns.

If Iowans want to maintain our natural heritage, we need to help keep our prairies healthy. That's why a group of conservation partners created the annual statewide Prairie Rescue: a hands-on opportunity for adults and kids to experience the prairies Iowa's earlier generations saw, while preserving that experience for future generations.

The 2005 Prairie Rescue includes approximately 25 volunteer rescue events scattered throughout the state. Volunteer activities vary according to the site. 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). No matter which event you attend, on-site experts will provide guidance and prairie education.

2005 Prairie Rescue Sites (listed by date within each region)
Western Iowa Prairie Rescue Locations (and dates)
Country Homestead B&B, Monona County (3/19)
Preparation Canyon State Park (4/9)
Waubonsie State Park (4/9)
Lake Anita State Park (4/16)
Stone State Park (4/16)
Springbrook Conservation Education Center (4/23)
Vincent Bluffs Preserve (4/23)
Waterman Prairie Area (4/23)
King Cemetery, Crawford County (4/16)

Central Iowa Prairie Rescue Locations (and dates)
Bobwhite State Park (4/23)
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (4/2)
Churchville Prairie (4/30)
Ames High Prairie State Preserve (4/16, 4/23)
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (4/16)
Ringgold County Prairie Chicken Day (4/16)
Big Creek State Park (4/30)
Nine Eagles State Park (4/30)
Rock Creek State Park (4/30)
Stephens State Forest (4/30)
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge (4/30)
Harrier Marsh (5/14)
Voas Conservation Area (4/16)

Eastern Iowa Prairie Rescue Locations: (and dates)
Volga River State Recreation Area (4/14)
Cedar Bluffs State Preserve (4/16)
Hayden Prairie State Preserve (4/16)
Rochester Cemetery, Cedar County (4/16, 4/24, 5/14)
Breen Prairie Farm (4/23)
Mines of Spain Recreation Area (5/7)

For more information call or e-mail: Cathy Engstrom, INHF Director of Communications, at (515) 288-1846; Katie Kemp, Iowa DNR, at (515) 281-3134; Alicia Mullarkey, Iowa DNR, at (515) 281-6271.