HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
AS A FRIEND OF THE PRAIRIE LEARNING CENTER
The original tallgrass prairie was created with seed,
soil, sun, fire and rain. You can help re-create the tallgrass prairie
with your talent, gifts, funds and time. Review the possible ways
you might contribute below and then contact the refuge manager at 515-994-3400
to make your pledge. Besides the land, our most important resource is commitment
from people like you. This project is truly a grassland supported
by grassroots!
VISIT
Come to the Refuge often to see the prairie changing
with the seasons. We suggest starting at the Prairie Learning Center, where you
may view the movie "Return to Wildness" and educational exhibits.
Then roam the trails,
drive the scenic auto tour
route, and watch for prairie wildlife. The Prairie Learning Center
is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from
noon to 5 p.m. Refuge trails and the auto tour route are open everyday, sunrise to sunset. Click here to see an area map.
BECOME A FRIEND
We invite you to join us in supporting the Refuge by
becoming a Friend. Click here for a membership application.
Besides becoming a Friend of the Prairie Learning Center, here are some other specific
ways for you to connect with this extraordinary project and help supplement
available resources:
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
If you have time to share, we have volunteer opportunities
for you to consider. Training is provided for these volunteer positions.
Student Interns
Help with refuge operations, environmental education
and interpretation,
stewardship, and biological research. Work one
day/week, the summer season, one month, or a year.
Seed Handlers
Harvest, clean and mix seed. Weekends and/or
weekdays during summer and fall season.
Greenhouse Caretakers
Start plants for production plots and to enrich prairie
plantings. Previous greenhouse experience is not necessary, but willingness
to learn and ability to maintain a work schedule are critical. Volunteers
are needed at least 3 hours/day.
Prairie Stewards
Help remove junk trees and shrubs or spade out thistles.
This is a great service opportunity for scout troops, youth groups, environmental
groups, or adult service clubs on weekdays or weekends. The Friends sponsor a stewardship workday with either outdoor prairie restoration, seed harvesting or indoor seed cleaning the second Saturday 9: a.m. to 1:p.m. of every month and an evening work night from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. the last Thursday of the month.
Bookstore Sales Associates
Open and close the Prairie
Point bookstore for Friends of the Prairie Learning Center; operate the cash register;
restock shelves; price inventory; and assist customers. Four-hour
shifts on Tuesday through Sunday.
Information Desk Attendants
Greet and provide information to visitors about the
Refuge and Friends of the Prairie Learning Center. Four-hour shifts on Tuesday through
Sunday.
FUND A SPECIAL REFUGE NEED
There are a variety of ways you can support Refuge
and the Friends of the Prairie Learning Center with your financial contributions.
Perhaps one of the needs listed below will strike your fancy.
Prairie Library Fund
Contribute to the Prairie Library fund. This fund will help purchase books, references, periodicals and memberships for Refuge staff, interns, and volunteers. The fund will be administered by Friends of the Prairie Learning Center.
Prairie Seed Fund
Contribute to the Seed fund. This fund will purchase prairie seed and seed handling equipment to be used by the refuge biological area. The fund will be administered by Friends of the Prairie Learning Center.
Educational Intern Fund
Underwrite stipends for student internships in the Refuge's Environmental Education and Biological Research programs. The fund will be administered by Friends of the Prairie Learning Center.
TAX BENEFITS
Friends of the Prairie Learning Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3)
organization. Consult your tax advisor for the tax benefits of your donation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Each donor and gift will be acknowledged in the Prairie
Wind (Friends newsletter) and in our Annual Report. |
