Itinerary
Please note: This is a draft itinerary. Details, times, and locations subject to change.
8:00 a.m.
Depart from Des Moines Marriott Downtown
9:00 a.m.
Marietta Sand Prairie
The original 17-acre Marietta Sand Prairie was acquired in 1983 and designated as a State Preserve in 1984. In 2006, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Marshall County Conservation collaborated to acquire, protect, and restore 212 adjacent acres, including 56 acres of sand prairie remnant. This previously farmed sand prairie has been revitalized through reconstruction and natural succession. The site also features a fen and two seepage meadows. Approximately 12,000 years ago, the melting of the Des Moines Lobe glacier led to the deposition of sand in the Iowa River valley. Subsequently, wind transported this sand from the valley and redeposited it on the adjacent uplands. In specific locations, these aeolian sands can reach depths of up to 36 feet. A range of habitats exists here, supporting nearly 200 species of plants. During our visit, we can expect to see sand milkweed, green milkweed, wild four-o’clock, spotted horsemint, sand primrose, shaggy false gromwell (Onosmodium bejariense), purple lovegrass, round-headed bush clover, and prairie sage.
11:15 a.m.
Doolittle Prairie State Preserve
Doolittle Prairie State Preserve is a 26-acre mosaic of tallgrass prairie and pothole marsh. Three native plant communities are present – wet-mesic prairie, sedge meadow, and shallow emergent marsh (or seasonally flooded wetland). A floristic study (Wetzel, Norris and Lyles 1999) documented 265 vascular plant species, including 223 native species. Examples of some of the species we may find encounter include Sullivant’s milkweed, rattlesnake master, sneezeweed, compass plant, marsh vetchling, wood betony, prairie dropseed, bluejoint, and 19 species of sedge. In addition to the flora, 45 birds, several mammals, and 31 butterflies have been observed on the preserve.
Doolittle Prairie is named for Fidelia and William Doolittle, who settled on the land in 1855. Their descendants farmed nearby but refrained from draining the original homestead out of sentiment. The family harvested prairie hay until the late 1960s. In 1979, the northern 26-acre tract was sold to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and dedicated as a State Preserve in 1980. The southern 16-acre tract was acquired in 1981.
12:50 p.m.
Don Williams Recreation Area
Box lunch under picnic shelters.
Description forthcoming.
3:30 p.m.
Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
Established in 1968 by the Iowa State Horticulture Society, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens boasts 40 acres of cultivated landscapes, 90 acres of native woodland, and 30 acres of prairie restoration. Focusing on ornamental plant demonstration, the gardens and groves of the cultivated acres have nearly 2000 individual woody plants and countless thousands of perennials. The relatively undisturbed oak woodlands are home to carpets of wildflowers and diverse wildlife.
As part of its mission to inspire conservation, 5½ acres of former cropland was converted into a prairie restoration demonstration. The initial seeding contained mostly local ecotype and wild collected seed from about 40 species. Thirty years later, this prairie restoration is going strong with recent observations including shooting star (Primula meadia), Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense), and horse gentian (Triosteum perfoliatum) all appearing on their own. Now, over 100 plant species have been surveyed growing in this beautiful natural space.
Our visit here will begin with walking tours of the prairie restoration and conclude with Happy Hour and socializing about the experiences we’ve shared.
