Prairie Tours with Whiterock Conservancy and Iowa Prairie Network

Join Whiterock Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, and Iowa Prairie Network for a full day of Prairie Hikes! 

When: Saturday, June 25th, 2022 (3 sessions beginning at 10am)

Where: Whiterock Conservancy near Coon Rapids, IA 

Join us for one session, two sessions, or all three sessions as we learn and explore 3 unique native prairie remnants and see adjoining prairie reconstructions planted from adjacent remnant seed sources.  Carissa Shoemaker, Land Manager at Whiterock, will share her knowledge of some of Whiterock’s rare prairie ecosystems, and the land management that they are implementing to keep their prairies thriving. Jon Judson will discuss land history, plant identification, and share with us a tour of his private prairie where he has spent much effort to protect, restore, and collect seed to make sure that the legacy of this prairie can continue. Hear the story of the lone raccoon that played a big part in saving this prairie. 

Please bring water and a lunch. If you need a lunch, there are restaurants in Coon Rapids. Plan to walk up to one mile. If you need accommodations, please contact Tabitha at tpanas@pheasantsforever.org or 402-506-0101. 

Session One 

Seep and Oak Savanna - 10 am to 12 pm Whiterock Conservancy River Campground 1314 Fig Ave Coon Rapids, IA 

Whiterock Conservancy’s 5,500 acres features remnant seeps along the Middle Raccoon River. Characteristic species include spotted joe-pye weed, sensitive fern, and flat-topped aster. Whiterock also participates in active oak savanna and woodland restoration, which is marked by a blend of loosely scattered oaks and an understory of diverse prairie species.

Session Two  

Tuel Prairie - 1 pm to 2:30 pm 125th and Hickory - From Bayard go 2 miles west on hwy 141, south on Hickory Ave 1 ½ miles Tuel prairie is a privately-owned beautiful dry/mesic remnant prairie with unique species such as red root,  scurfy pea, prairie turnip, and toadflax. There are 3 adjacent prairie reconstructions that were created with  seed from the remnant site. 

Session Three

Judson Prairie - 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm - From Bayard go 6 miles south on Justice Ave (N70), then ½ mile west on 160th St, then south ½  mile on Juniper Ave. Judson Prairie is a privately-owned remnant dry prairie and expect to see an awesome population of pale  purple coneflower. In addition, unique species include scaley blazingstar, hairy gramma, grooved yellow  flax, sand milkweed, and downey gentian