Text Box: Landowners near Crescent, Iowa have joined efforts in restoring their remnant Loess Hill prairies and oak savannas back to the original, historical vegetation. These landowners include Chuck and Teresa Troxel, Sharyl Osborne, Barbara and LeRoy Oamek, Janet Summers and Kathie and Raymond Davis. All are interested in preserving Iowa’s unique Loess Hills landform, to improve wildlife habitat and restore the open, treeless structure of the past. All of the properties are suffering from encroaching trees and brush, especially cedar trees. Fire suppression is one primary cause of the cedar invasion of the hills and subsequent loss of native species. Both Barbara and Sharyl can recall when the hills were bare. Sharyl remembers her children being able to sled and ski completely down the hillsides, a feat that would be disastrous today. The above photo shows the bare hills in the background, in comparison with the photo to the right, showing the wooded hillsides that can be seen today. The Troxel’s were the original instigators of the project, recognizing the advantages of working together to reduce habitat fragmentation and simplify restoration efforts. When landowners Text Box: work together, it is a “best-case” scenario for wildlife. Fragmentation of the land (the division of continuous habitats or ecosystems into smaller, isolated fragments) is one of the most difficult issues facing wildlife habitat management today. Over 90% of Iowa’s lands are privately owned, making large-scale wildlife management difficult. Wildlife does not recognize boundaries between public and private lands and rely on quality available habitat. Improving the condition of privately owned prairies and woodlands will increase the variety of wildlife species able to use the property. In addition to fragmentation, many prairie species are being pushed out by encroaching trees and brush, a common threat in the Loess Hills. Studies have shown that grassland songbirds are especially sensitive to invading trees and shrubs. This cooperative project will result in prescribed fire on over 120 acres and tree removal on a total of 73 acres to restore a combination of native remnant prairie and oak savanna. Partnering up with neighbors is beneficial for more than just the wildlife. Working together for a common goal fosters a sense of community Text Box: Cooperative Efforts to Restore Native Prairie

Experience in Prairie Restoration—Volunteer

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Cooperative Efforts Continued

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Feature Plant and Animal

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How-To: Control Crown Vetch

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Quail Conservation

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Text Box: Prairie Restoration Text Box: Newsletter Funded By: the Loess Hills Alliance, Mills County Soils & Water Conservation District, West Pottawattamie County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Pottawattamie and Fremont/Mills Chapters of Pheasants Forever