Join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for a winter work day in the Loess Hills. We'll spend a couple hours removing unwanted brush to help the native hill prairie and oak savanna thrive. Please arrive early to park and check-in.
Invasive brush removal involves using various hand tools (loppers and bowsaws) to manually cut unwanted brush. Participants may work to remove plants with thorns and/or alongside an experienced chain sawyer.
Volunteers will be working on steep terrain and should work at their own pace and at their comfort level. No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided. All equipment will be provided.
An RSVP is requested.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
The Reed-Kessler Conservation Easement consists of 15 acres of remnant prairie and oak woodland in the Loess Hills region. The property is adjacent to the Turin Preserve WMA, protecting over 1,107 acres of high quality loess prairie, and is located in the Loess Hills BCA (Bird Conservation Area). Prairie species observed on the property include locoweed, skeleton weed, false gromwell, rough blazing star and prairie turnip. The land is owned and stewarded by Stephanie Nelson, who also raises sheep on the property.
ATTIRE & EQUIPMENT
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
- Long pants and layers. You may be working with thorny plants so sturdy clothes that can withstand rips (or you don't mind ripping) are encouraged.
- Work gloves and water bottle
- A hiking stick, binoculars, field guide and/or camera, if you like
DETAILS
- No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided.
- You will be asked to sign a liability waiver
- No restroom on site
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
From Onawa, head east on IA-175E to the town of Turin. Turn left on Oak Ave. and follow for about 2 miles. Parking will be along the gravel road just south of 21364 Oak Ave. Onawa, IA 51040. Look for INHF staff and event signage.
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QUESTIONS?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is committed to an equitable opportunity for volunteers to gather, in which we strive toward an environment that is both safe and welcoming for all. INHF continues to work toward creating a more inclusive environment that encourages, supports and affirms the diverse backgrounds of our volunteers. Attendees whose words, actions or behaviors make other attendees feel unsafe or unwelcome at INHF volunteer events will be asked to leave.