Join INHF and our partners with the Prairie STRIPS team at ISU for a hike at INHF's Wallace & Bowers Nature Area, a unique site including regenerative agriculture practices and land restoration. The public is invited to tag along on this Iowa Prairie Conference field trip – attendance at the rest of the conference is not required. Registration is required for those not already registered for the conference.
Participants will get to see two different working row crop fields and learn how prairie strips can retain soil, filter water and create wildlife habitat. INHF will provide an overview of the goals, land stewardship history and successes/challenges at Wallace & Bowers Nature Area. Participants will see two wetland restorations and three prairie reconstructions at INHF's property.
If you aren't registered for the conference, registration is required. Complete the registration form here.
What to expect:
- Participants can expect an easy hike
- NO restroom facilities are at the site.
- Led by Tim Youngquist, Farmer Liaison; Ryan Schmidt, Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF); and Prairie STRIPS team at ISU
Attire:
-
Long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Participants may want to bring a hat, water bottle, sunscreen and/or bug spray.
Directions/Parking:
Field north of 13026 – 253rd Ave., Orleans, IA. Note – location is accessible along the paved walking path next to Big Spirit Lake. Attendees may park in the grass along the shoulder of the road.
Attendees will meet as directed here and be given instructions for driving to the second location that is close by.
About Wallace and Bowers Nature Area
The 160-acre Wallace & Bowers Nature Area is owned and stewarded by INHF. Initial restoration began in the fall of 2018 and focused on reducing water flow, soil loss and nutrient runoff into Big Spirit Lake. A diverse native prairie buffer is located along the southern border of the property. Alfalfa buffers help with soil health and water absorption. Cover crops were planted across the entire no-till managed crop grounds. Wetland restoration began in 2020 in the northwest corner of the property, where flooding is an ongoing issue.
Questions:
Contact Ryan Schmidt, Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director, at rschmidt@inhf.org.
Commitment to Diversity
INHF is committed to ensuring that its policies, practices and systems are free of barries, emphasize the value of diversity, and promote full participation to ensure dignity, respect, and equal access for all.