An outdoor event opportunity forwarded from the Iowa Native Plant listserv.

The Nature Conservancy’s largest preserve in Iowa at the core of
conservation efforts in the Loess Hills.

It’s not every day that you can observe Bison in the wild up close – and
safely. The Nature Conservancy in Iowa will provide that opportunity during
an annual event that celebrates the expanding herd and the importance of
preserving the prairie land it depends upon for life. 
 
Join the Nature Conservancy in Iowa at Broken Kettle Grasslands, Iowa’s
largest remaining native prairie, during Bison Day, July 12, 2014.
Participants of all ages will meet at the Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve
Visitor Center and spend the day participating in a variety of fun and
interesting activities for all ages led by experts.
 
In addition to scavenger hunts, wildlife exhibits, face-painting and more,
hayrack rides will be offered to observe bison in their natural habitat. The
herd, which has grown from 28 animals to more than 125 in five years, shares
the prairie with more than 200 species of plants, 150 species of birds, and
thousands of species of insects. 
 
With most of the nation’s original tallgrass prairie gone, Broken Kettle is
part of the planet’s most endangered and least protected natural community.
Located just north of Sioux City in Plymouth County, Broken Kettle’s native
prairie is home to many plant and animal species, including bison, black
billed magpies, and the prairie rattlesnake. It’s also The Nature
Conservancy’s largest preserve in Iowa and is at the core of conservation
efforts in the Loess Hills. 
 
Events for the day will include:
• Hayrack rides to view and learn about the bison heard as it roams the
grasslands
• Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR)- bald eagle educational program
• Reptile exhibit
• Dutch oven cooking
• Scavenger hunt
• Firefighting equipment demonstration
• Prairie pollinators 
• Birding hike 
• Face painting, coloring and collage-making for the kids
 
The fourth annual Bison Day will be held July 12, 2014, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the
Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve Visitor Center — 24764 Highway 12,
Westfield, Iowa 51062. Guests are asked to bring their own sack lunches, bug
repellent and sunscreen. For more questions on the event or volunteering,
contact Taryn Samuels at [log in to unmask] or 515-244-5044. 

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