Training Future Botanists for Prairie Reconstruction and Maintenance

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with the mission to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow. Prior to European-American settlement, tallgrass prairie covered 85% of Iowa. Today, less than 0.1% of Iowa’s prairie remains in small isolated fragments. In an effort to bring back native prairie plant communities, refuge staff and volunteers gathered and used local seed sources to plant approximately 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie. Today, the refuge protects 6,000 acres providing food, cover and breeding habitat for resident and migratory wildlife.

The refuge also serves as a major environmental education, volunteer and outdoor recreation hub for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. Additionally, the refuge provides assistance to local landowners as they improve their lands for wildlife habitat. Lastly, the refuge tries to increase scientific knowledge and understanding of the prairie and savanna through ongoing, targeted and innovative research. The refuge achieves these goals through community involvement and by working and partnering with others. Des Moines Founders Garden Club is one of those partners, since Nancy McKlveen began DMFGC”s relationship with the Refuge years ago. This grant will allow DMFGC members to continue to assist in seed collection and cleaning, which are excellent learning opportunities for our members.