Summer Solstice Picnic on the Prairie

Are you ready for a potluck? Join INHF on Saturday, June 20, for the Summer Solstice Farmer Picnic at Willis Farm in Thornton!

From 3 p.m. to sundown, learn about native pollinators, visit with Niman Ranch farmers and members of Practical Farmers of Iowa, and explore the prairie at Willis Farm.

Willis Farms includes 160 acres of wetland reserve and is run by Paul Willis, founding hog farmer and manager of Niman Ranch Pork Company. Willis will talk about his experience as a pork producer for the company.

You can also chow down on brats and hot dogs—but make sure to bring your own drinks—while listening to presentations on different aspects of prairie. The speakers are as follows:

Mary Harris

Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) project, Iowa State University

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Elizabeth Hill

Center for Prairie Studies, Grinnell College

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Laura Jackson

Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa

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If you plan to attend the picnic, RSVP to Lauren Zastrow of Practical Farmers of Iowa by Wednesday, June 17.