If time allows, civic and school groups may request a program that is not listed below to be developed. All that is needed is a topic that is relevant to the refuge or wildlife.

PowerPoint Presentations:

The Flowers of Neal Smith NWR – This is a slide show of some of the flowers that are found at Neal Smith NWR.

Mesquaki Indians – A long and short version of this PowerPoint is available which covers the history and culture of the Mesquaki Indians.

Mesquaki Jeopardy – This game goes along with the Mesquaki Indian presentation.

Project Bluestem – This presentation shows the importance of the tallgrass prairie and savanna. It also promotes the Project Bluestem Curriculum available through the Prairie Point Bookstore.

Bald Eagle Program – Everything you ever wanted to know about bald eagles.

Neal Smith NWR Presentation – This presentation touches on the different aspects of Neal Smith NWR.

Neal Smith NWR: From Brome, Beans, and Bovine to Bluestem, Blazingstar, and Bison – Talk about the restoration efforts of the Neal Smith NWR.

Gardening with Natives – Learn how to garden with native Iowa plant species.

Programs Coming Soon:

The Geologic History of Iowa – Takes a close look at how Iowa formed. Did you know that Iowa was once under an ocean, once covered with a rainforest, had mountains, and even a swamp?

The Tallgrass Prairie – Picks up Iowa geologic history from the receding of the last glacier and talks about the history of the tallgrass prairie.

Bison – Learn everything you ever wanted to know about bison beginning with ancient bison species and ending with modern bison.

Fire – Learn about the importance of fire to the tallgrass prairies, fire basics, historic uses, and current management practices.

Oak Savanna – Learn about Iowa’s oak savannas and why their conservation is so important.

Ants – Did you know that Neal Smith has over 27 different types of ants. Ants are very important to prairie and other ecosystems they are found in and they are amazing little creatures. They milk aphids, farm fungi, and even protect their plant homes.

People of Iowa – Takes a historic look at Iowa throughout human history. How long have people been living in Iowa? Who were the first people to live here? What was life like for the pioneers? All these questions and more will be answered with this program.

Prairie Ecology – Prairie plants and animals need each other to survive. Learn about some of these amazing relationships.

Exotic Invaders – Queen Anne’s lace, purple loosestrife, Japanese ladybugs, and even pheasants were not found here just a couple of hundred years ago. Where did they come from and why? Are they harmful? What can do we to stop the invasion of our country?

Prairie Wildlife – Most of prairie wildlife lives underground and only comes out at night. Who are these shy animals? Learn how to recognize signs of wild animals.

Stewardship – What is stewardship and why is it so important?

Plant Identification – Have you ever had problems trying to figure out what kind of plant that is? Well here is the answer to your prayers, learn all about plant identification.

Environmental Education – Explore the wonderful world of Environmental Education, ways to get students excited and fun topics to breach.

Field Trip Programs | School Outreach Programs | Project Bluestem Activities