Williams Prairie: Iowa Living History

The State of Iowa was once a vast sea of tall grasses and beautifully colored flowers. Today, these magnificent views are rarely seen outside prairie remnants or in restored prairies that Iowans have planted. The 21 acre Williams Prairie is one of these botanical jewels. Home to over 320 species of vascular plants and eight bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) this jewel is well known for its botanical diversity. Join Johnson County Conservation Board Vegetation Specialist Dave Wehde and Naturalist Brad Freidhof on Thursday, July 21st at 6:30 p.m. as they explore this beautiful natural area.

The hike will highlight a few of the many prairie plants that exist in the Williams Prairie. Dave will also talk about prairie management techniques used by the Johnson County Conservation Department. Participants should meet at the Williams Prairie just prior to 6:30 p.m. dressed in long pants and prepared to walk through the prairie. Particiapants can also meet at the JCCB headquarters at 6 p.m. to caravan to the site if you are unaware of it's location. Boots are recommended as parts of Williams Prairie will likely to be wet. Bug repellent and a water bottle are recommended as well. Williams Prairie is located north of Oxford, Iowa. From the State Highway 109 and Highway 6 intersection go north on Old Highway (F28) for about .7 mile. Bear right onto Cemetary Road NW for about .8 mile. Turn left (west) onto Grabin Road NW. Proceed another 1.1 miles to Black Hawk Avenue NW and turn right (north). The entrance to the Williams Prairie will be on your right hand side (east).

For more information about this or other JCCB sponsored events, please contact the Johnson County Conservation Department office at (319) 645-2315 or the Conservation Education Center at F.W. Kent Park at (319) 645-1011. You can also contact Brad Freidhof by e-mail at bfreidhof@co.johnson.ia.us. Brad Freidhof can also be contacted by cell phone at (319) 331-7513 for last minute details or registrations.