Rare prairie purchased in Polk County

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When Loren Lown discovered large and vigorous Hairy Puccoons (Lithospermum carolinense) blooming across 10 acres in Polk County over a year ago, he knew the sand prairie that accommodated them was a valuable piece of Iowa's natural heritage. The puccoon, which thrives in this setting, can live for hundreds of years after establishing a large root system.

Lown, Natural Resources Specialist with the Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) led the effort to protect the prairie, which was purchased almost entirely with private donations. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) accepted donations and purchased the land. It was recently transferred with protective covenants to the PCCB, which will own and manage the site.

Puccoon Prairie is part of the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in eastern Polk County-but is higher and drier than typical greenbelt parcels. Its unique features were formed 10,000-15,000 years ago from an old sandbar on the glacial Skunk River. Lown notes that such sand prairies are rare in Iowa, especially in the state's most populous county.

"I was just enamored with the site when I first saw it," said Lown. "I was out looking at seedings on an adjacent piece of land, looked over the fence, and was amazed at the puccoons in bloom."

According to Lown, the prairie is home to several other rare species like June grass, six-lined racerunners, velvet ants, tiger beetles and flora that is more commonly found in parts of Nebraska. The most recent discovery is the prairie violet.

PCCB's long-term management plans for the site include removing woody growth and other invasive species, reintroducing a fire regime and developing a comprehensive inventory of the site's plants and animals.

A site dedication, held on May 22, was attended by many of the families and organizations who funded its protection, including the Iowa Prairie Network (Central Region), Story County Pheasants Forever, Central Iowa Sierra Club and 15 individuals and families. More than $14,000 in private donations went towards the purchase.

"Puccoon Prairie is an especially unique corner within the several thousand acres of wetland and prairie we've helped restore for wildlife and recreation at Chichaqua," said Anita O'Gara, INHF vice president. "It's heartwarming to see Central Iowans appreciate it and step forward to protect it."

Loren Lown, Natural Resources Specialist with the Polk County Conservation Board, shows off blooming Hairy (or Carolina) Puccoons on a newly protected sand prairie in Polk County. "Private individuals made this happen," said Lown. "Without their individual time, commitment and money, this project wouldn't have happened and we'd be the poorer for it."

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, INHF Communications Director, or call (515) 288-1846.