2026 Loess Hills Prairie Seminar & GRASS workday

Join the DNR, INHF, The Nature Conservancy, Monona, Woodbury, Harrison, Pottawattamie County Conservation Boards and many other organizations for The Great Race Against Shrubs and Shade — one of Iowa’s largest land restoration events! This year’s workday will take place at the Turin Wildlife Management Area, where volunteers and partner organizations will work together to remove invasive cedar trees and help preserve the health and vitality of the Loess Hills' hillside prairies.

No RSVP necessary—just show up!

What to expect

·        This event is not for the faint of heart. The terrain is steep and uneven, and the work is intense.

·        Volunteers will clear and pile cedar trees that have been cut by stewardship staff and interns

·        No experience necessary 

Needed attire & equipment

·        Water bottle

·        Sturdy boots or shoes, long pants and shirt you don’t mind getting dirty or torn by thorns

·        Helmet, gloves, loppers, safety glasses, ear plugs and sunscreen—if you have them (we will have a few extras)

Other details

·        Porta-potty will be onsite

·        This site may have ticks, poison ivy, mosquitos, plants with thorns or other natural hazards

16767 Oak Ave., Castana, IA 51010 - Look for LHPS signs.

 

The Iowa DNR partnered with INHF to protect 20 acres of Loess Hills terrain from the Kessler Family — famous for Kessler Pottery. The daughter, Teneisha Kessler, inherited the land and wanted to see it protected and cared for to honor her mother Deb, who had a deep appreciation for the natural world. The parcel of land expands the Loess Hills WMA that is connected to the Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. 

 

Stick around after GRASS for the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar. Participate in just one session, the entire day, or stay the whole weekend. Camping is available as well as hotel, area Airbnbs, and a few county-run cabins.

Learn more and register here.