Viste-Sparkman and Taylor conducted a Frog and Toad Call Survey on May 28. Western Chorus Frog, Eastern Gray Tree Frog, and Cricket Frog were detected.
The bison and elk herd appear healthy and are beginning to shed their winter coats. There have been 12 bison calves by the end of May.
A total of 1,674 walk-in visitors visited the Prairie Learning Center, with 35 people attending meetings at the Prairie Visitor / Learning Center. Visitor Services staff presented interpretation to 140 visitors and outreach/education to 1,994 people. Total visitation was estimated at 17,878.
International Migratory Bird Day was held on May 9th. Viste-Sparkman/Groom led a morning bird class/hike. Rasmussen and Murray assisted with kid's crafts and other activities throughout the day. Over 100 people attended annual Junior Duck Stamp Ceremony. A total of 240 visitors came through for the event.
Prairie Learning Center
Room Rentals
The Prairie Learning Center has two meeting spaces available for rent, a small conference room and a large conference room. See the following brochure for a description, fees and requirementsCenter Information
Iowa Native Plant Database
This plant database is designed to help you identify what plant species are native to Iowa The database serves as a learning tool by providing descriptive information about individual plants.
All About Birds
Birding 123, Bird Guide, and everything you wanted to know about birds and birding at Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds
Events
Updated 6-18-09
Friends Workday for the Friends Prairie - July 11, 9:00 a.m.Encounter fellow prairie enthusiasts and actively participate in helping the refuge. Meet at the Prairie Learning Center for task assignments and instructions.
An e-mail description of the up coming workday is sent about once a month. If you would like to be added to the list, send Jonathan an e-mail at jyentis@msn.com
Adopt-a-trail program Are you affiliated with a Civic Association, Church, Youth or Scouting group?
Is your group looking for an opportunity for a valuable on-going community service project?
Then check out the Adopt-a-trail program at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The 5,600 acre refuge, dedicated to the reconstruction of Tall Grass prairie, was established in 1991 as one of the largest ecological restoration efforts in the federal refuge system. The goal of the Adopt-a-Trail program is to improve the quality of the prairie plantings along our primary hiking trails for the enjoyment of our visitors and the continued enhancement of the prairie.
The program provides Individuals, groups and families an opportunity to adopt up to a 50'x25' plot along the trail and tend it, to include helping to plant native seeds or seedlings, and remove non-native or invasive plants. This is a great hands-on learning opportunity! Training is provided by staff or our many experienced volunteers. There is no set schedule for participation; your group is welcome to work your plot anytime between sunrise to sunset throughout the spring, summer and fall. We ask that you commit at least 2 visits per month during the growing season.
For additional information on Adopt-a-trail,please call Al Murray at (515) 994-3400 or E-mail AL Murray at Al_Murray@fws.gov
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Events Calendar for all Refuges
For more information on any of these activities, call the refuge at 515-994-3400
