Join the Iowa Native Plant Society (INPS) for a Field Trip at Paule Preserve, a 93-acre stretch of protected land featuring an amazing mix of native sedge meadow and wetland, reconstructed mesic prairie and restored oak savanna in Madison County.
The field trip will be led by landowners John and Shari Paule, Drake University Professor of Biology Tom Rosburg, and INHF staff. Learn about the management practices John and Shari have implemented in their work to transform their site into a high quality conservation area.
Attendees can expect to see Yarrow, Meadow Rue, Poison Hemlock, Ox Eye Sunflower, Common and Swamp Milkweed, St John’s Wort, Compass Plant, Grey headed coneflower, Mountain Mint, Bergamot, Canada Wild Rye, Blue Vervain, Purple Prairie Clover, Rattlesnake Master, Ironweed, Milk Vetch, Culver’s Root, Bell Flower and Starry Campion, and a wide variety of sedge and native grasses.
DETAILS
Mowed paths make it fairly easy to hike around the property, but some terrain is steep. Feel free to spend the day here, where you can also enjoy the view of the North River valley, sit in the shade of the 1950’s pole barn, or cook your own mix’ns over the fire pit.
Bring a sack lunch. There will be a few tables and chairs available in the shed and around the fire ring. There is a kybo outside the pole barn and a small bathroom inside .
DIRECTIONS
From Des Moines (north), take I-35 to Exit 65, the west on Cumming Road (G14/G4R). Stay on paved surface 5.8 miles then south on gravel Valley View Road. Then 2 miles to “T” intersection, turn right onto Upland Trail for 1.4 miles – you will cross the North River, then right onto Summerhill Trail 0.7 miles. Look for gate on right side of road. There is a few places to park at top of lane south of the barn, otherwise park along Summerhill Trail outside gate.
From Bevington (south), take Highway 92 west from Bevington towards Winterset. Then north on Valley View 1.1 mile to 200th Trail, west on 200th Trail .7 miles to Upland Trail, then north on Upland Trail 2.4 miles to Summerhill Trail. Then west on Summerhill Trail .6 mile to farm gate marked with Paule Preserve signs. Look for gate on right side of road. There is limited parking at top of lane to the barn. Otherwise, park along Summerhill Trail outside gate.
From Desoto (west), take Highway 169 south 14 miles to Winterset. At the 4-way stop (Highway 92) in Winterset, go east 6.3 miles to 201st Trail (Look for a blue Adopt a Highway Sign). Go north on 201st Trail 0.8 mile (road will bend to the east). At the stop sign, take Summerhill Trail north 3.1 miles. Look for gate on the left (north side) of Summerhill Trail. There is limited parking at top of lane on the East side of the barn. Otherwise, park along Summerhill Trail outside gate.