Opt to Act with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and REI at Snyder Heritage Farm. We'll spend a couple hours on the land removing brush and aggressive plants to help the oak savanna - a lightly forested grassland dominated by oaks - thrive.
Historically, oak savannas were maintained by wildfires. Grazing by native wildlife including bison and elk may have also have helped savannas maintain an open canopy and grass and forb understory. Today, INHF stewards its savannas using a mix of prescribed fire, brush and aggressive species removal. These practices help create a natural disturbance that keeps the oak savanna healthy.
Volunteers are invited to gather at Reclaimed Rails after the event where they'll enjoy buy one get one drink specials compliments of Reclaimed Rails.
Invasive brush removal involves using various hand tools (handsaws or loppers) to manually cut brush. Participants may work alongside or with an experienced chain sawyer. No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided. New and seasoned volunteers welcome. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for winter 2020.
About Opt to Act
This event is part of Opt to Act, an initiative launched by REI to bring attention to the importance to of protecting and caring for the outdoors. Learn more at rei.com/opt-outside
About Snyder Heritage Farm
For nearly 30 years, Snyder Heritage Farm has been slowly transitioning from a traditional farm to a beautiful blend of prairie, oak savanna, woodland and wetland ecosystems. It is now a 154-acre natural area just north of the Des Moines metro. Snyder Heritage Farm was donated to INHF by Al and Gladys Snyder, a couple who held a deep love for their land and wished to preserve the integrity of their farm and protect it from urban sprawl. It is now owned and stewarded by INHF.
Please:
- Dress for the weather and wear layers, long pants, sturdy boots with warm socks, a winter hat that can be worn under a helmet and lined work gloves (we will have some spares)
- Bring a water bottle and gear that you don’t mind getting dirty or scratched up (feel free to bring extra handsaws or loppers, if you have them)
Details
- No experience necessary
- Training will be provided
- You will be asked to sign a liability waiver
Directions
Snyder Heritage Farm
11700 NE 64th St.
Elkhart, IA
> View Google Map
Questions?
Contact Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.