Prairie Valley Preserve - New!

50352 Blazing Star Street, Ames, IA 50014

Prairie Valley Preserve and residential area had previously either been left in its natural state since Iowa was settled, or farmed or grazed by livestock. Areas unsuitable for farming now support native prairie plant communities, or remnant prairies.

Prairie Valley Preserve is home to one of the very few remaining native prairies in Iowa. Story County Conservation worked cooperatively with Friedrich Iowa Realty to permanently protect native prairie and floodplain, while still providing a place for homes. SCC saw opportunity to positively impact water quality as well, through enhancing a wetland.

The park's remnant prairie is named Landers Prairie, after Dr. R. Q. "Jake" Landers (1932-2024). Landers taught at ISU for 17 years (1962-1979) and was an early leader in the identification of prairie remnants and reconstruction methods. He inspired many through his teaching of ecological methods, including managing prairie with fire and establishing/reconstructing prairies with native seed sources. 

He taught with a "hands on" approach. Jake worked to teach students and others how we could use new methods to help the small remaining prairie remnants in Iowa. 

Prairie Valley Preserve will include hiking trails, a picnic area, and resting spots to watch nature's beauty. 

WETLANDS

Wetlands play a crucial role in Iowa's ecosystem by filtering pollutants from water, and managing droughts and floods. Originally covering 11% of Iowa, wetlands are now significantly reduced, with nearly 95% drained.

In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship, Ducks Unlimited, and City of Ames, a pumped wetland was constructed to treat drainage water from 2,000 acres of tile before it flows into Ioway Creek.

A healthy wetland supports diverse wildlife, including dragonflies, frogs, and various bird and waterfowl species. This pumped wetland will also mitigate downstream flooding and enhance water quality by removing nutrients from upstream agricultural areas.

PRAIRIE

Prairie once covered 80% of Iowa, but now less than 0.1% remains. This prairie is special as it is a xeric, or dry soil prairie. Xeric prairies are rare for this area, as most local prairies are moist and support different species of plants.

Notable species found here include rare plants like prairie violet and prairie larkspur. These plants will attract diverse pollinators, like the Regal fritillary butterfly, a species of concern.

Protecting this remnant prairie and constructing new prairie is vital for Iowa’s wildlife to persist for users to experience this calming landscape.

READ MORE

Click here to read Prairie Valley Preserve: Home for Wildlife and People.