Iowa Prairie Network’s annual winter seminar is in-person, virtual next month

Joe Schwartz uses a drip torches, filled with a mixture of diesel and gasoline, to get the prairie grasses burning, May 2, 2007, near Remsen. Best managing practices for Iowa prairies, including control burns, will be one topic at the Iowa Prairie Network’s winter seminar slated for Feb. 18 at Drake University in Des Moines. (Le Mars Daily Sentinel/Associated Press)

People interested in protecting, supporting and learning about the state’s prairie ecosystem can attend the Iowa Prairie Network’s annual Winter Seminar at Drake University in Des Moines next month, which will be in-person and also offered via Zoom.

The seminar will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. It’s open to the public with a suggested freewill donation of $10 to help cover event expenses. Doors open at 9 a.m. Registration is required.

“We welcome you, your friends and family to come learn more about Iowa's endangered prairie ecosystem and the plants and animals that rely on it,” according to a news release. This event also will be recorded for future viewing.

The theme this year is "Prairies in a Changing Landscape." There will be a line up of “amazing speakers who are experts in the field” to share knowledge and best management practices related to fire, grazing, climate change and more. More information can be found on the network’s website.

The agenda includes a variety of topics, including seedling identification, prairie strips and other practices for landowners, climate change, Bur Oak Land Trust update, grazing and prairie diversity and carbon sequestration of prairies.

Experts presenting the topics include Jon Judson of Diversity Farms; Tom Rosburg, biology professor with Drake University; Tim Youngquist with STRIPS Farmer Liaison and Iowa State Extension; Tabitha Panas, Farm Bill biologist with Pheasants Forever; Kenny Slocum with Clayton County Conservation; and Tony Vorwald with Jackson County Conservation.

Anyone interested in having an exhibitor/vendor booth at this event, should contact Marlene Ehresman at marlene@iowawildlifecenter.org for more information. In lieu of a booth fee, exhibitors are asked to bring an item to contribute to the silent auction.

The silent auction proceeds will support student scholarships to attend the upcoming North American Prairie Conference, according to the release. To help, consider donating an item to contribute and contact Carman Rosburg at coneflwr@netins.net or (515) 290-7384. Items may be brought to the seminar site starting at 8 a.m. the day of the event.

This event is wheelchair accessible with handicap parking and elevator access. Organizers wanted to make this event as inclusive and accessible as possible. Any questions or accommodation requests, please email officials at iowaprairienetworkorg@gmail.com.