36 – Iowa’s Prairie Habitats, Remnants, Renovations, and Reconstructions

At a Glance

Course Description

The extent of the original tall-grass prairie during its peak covered portions of 19 states and 1 province in Canada (Manitoba). Iowa was the only state completely contained within this ecosystem. Today, less than 1% of that original biome exists as scattered remnants. We will explore various aspects of the prairie ecosystem by providing an overview of the history, soils, climate, plant, and animal communities found in the remnants and restorations.

Instructor

Mike Meetz retired from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine after 35 years as a scientist. An amateur naturalist, he volunteers for the National Park Service, Iowa DNR, and Story County Conservation Board. In 1992, he and his wife reconstructed a 38-acre prairie that includes prairie wetlands.