Prairie Rescue 2008
This page will be expanded and updated frequently within days. Please check back for more information about the 9th annual Prairie Rescue event!
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 2008 Prairie Rescue includes approximately 15 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.
Central Iowa Eastern Iowa
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2008
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation |
