The public is invited to get up close to the prairie at a seed collection Saturday afternoon, Sept. 26, at Perkins Prairie Preserve west of Jefferson.
Volunteers will hand-pick seed from the prairie there to redistribute at a later date. No experience is necessary. Staff and volunteers from the Iowa National Heritage Foundation (INHF), owners of the prairie, will be on hand to demonstrate and provide equipment.
The 30 acres of remnant prairie in the Perkins Prairie Preserve was donated in 2014 by Carrol Perkins and Karen Voge-Perkins to the INHF. Carrol Perkins will be at the seed collection event to tell the land’s story.
The collection will begin at 1:30 pm and finish at 4:30.Snacks and water will be provided. Participants are reminded to wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and to bring a refillable water bottle.
“Join us for this feel-good fall event. Fall is the best time to experience the prairie, especially one like Perkins Prairie Preserve, with its rolling hills and diverse plant and animal life,” said Mary Runkel, INHF volunteer coordinator.
Perkins Prairie Preserve is located on M Ave south of Grimmell Road, across the road from Seven Hills Park. For more information, contact Runkel at 515-288-1846, ext. 17.
INHF has partnered with Wells Fargo in Jefferson for the event.
