Moonlight Seed Harvest

RSVP

Join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Polk County Conservation for a moonlit evening restoring the prairie at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. We will harvest native prairie seed to diversify and expand the prairie under the setting sun and rising Hunter’s Moon.

This year, volunteers are invited to gather before the harvest for a shared meal and storytelling from Iowa’s Indigenous People that, both historically and currently, thrive on this land and are an important part of our regional heritage. After, we’ll gather around a campfire to enjoy s’mores and celebrate autumn in good company under the full moon. It is recommended to bring a headlamp or flashlight for this event.

*exact directions to the harvest location and free group camping will be provided to those who have registered.

REGISTRATION: Required. RSVP here

DEADLINE: Noon the day before

COST: Free

AGES: All ages welcome

PLEASE NOTE: we will be working in the dark and walking on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, long pants and bring a headlamp or flashlight – if you have one. 

Partners 

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Polk County Conservation

About Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt encompasses nearly ten miles of reconstructed and remnant prairie, oxbows, marshes and wetlands along the Skunk River in Polk and Jasper Counties. It is home to a diverse mix of plants, wildlife and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Since 1993, INHF has helped the Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) and Iowa Department of Natural (DNR) expand Chichaqua Bottoms, adding nearly 5,000 acres. The property is now owned and managed by the PCCB in Polk County, and the DNR in Jasper County.

>MAP

Please bring/wear:

• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, long pants and layers
• Headlamps and flashlights, if you have them (we will have some extras)
• Water bottle
• Insect repellent
• All other equipment provided

Details:

• No experience necessary
• Families welcome
• Please note that we will be working in the dark on uneven terrain
• Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace
• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver

Questions?

Contact Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.

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