INHF to Host Spring Prairie Hike

By Katy Heggen on March 25, 2021 in Press Center


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Joe Jayjack, communications director,
jjayjack@inhf.org or 515-288-1846 ext. 19

Pasque on the Prairie
INHF to host hike at prairie preserve near Mason City

SHEFFIELD – Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) will host a spring prairie hike at Kothenbeutel Prairie on Saturday, April 3 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Together, hikers will hunt for pasque flowers, one of the first wildflowers to arrive in Iowa's prairies each spring. 

Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director Ryan Schmidt will lead the hike, providing insight into the history of the property, as well as past, current and planned restoration, along the way. Hikers are welcome to stay and explore the prairie after the hike. 

This is a FREE event. An RSVP is required. Space is limited.

WHAT: Pasque on the Prairie Hike
WHEN: Saturday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
WHERE: Kothenbeutel Prairie, Sheffield, IA
The prairie is located approximately 20 miles south of Mason City
RSVP: An RSVP is required for this event.

Kothenbeutel Prairie is a 40-acre native prairie preserve approximately twenty miles south of Mason City. Featuring over 200 plant species and a diverse array wildlife, it provides a glimpse of what much of Iowa's landscape was once like. INHF purchased the prairie from Daryl Kothenbeutel, who operated a business selling prairie seed, when he retired in 2005. INHF has owned and stewarded the land ever since.

New and experienced hikers are welcome. This is a family friendly event. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes, long pants, mask, work and bring a water bottle.

Directions: Kothenbeutel Prairie is located in northern Franklin County approximately 20 miles south of Mason City. Hikers may park along the road on 240th St. west of Thrush Ave. Look for INHF signs and staff. Google map

Contact Ryan Schmidt at rschmidt@inhf.org with questions.

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Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 180,000 acres of Iowa's wild places.

For more information, visit www.inhf.org or call 515-288-1846.