Moonlight Seed Harvest
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Polk County
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Join Polk County Conservation and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation for a moonlit evening restoring the prairie at Chichaqua Bottoms
Greenbelt, a ten-mile nature preserve half an hour northeast of Des Moines.
Together, we’ll hand harvest native prairie seed to diversify and expand the
prairie. After, we’ll gather around the campfire at the Youth Camp Area to
enjoy s’mores and celebrate the arrival of autumn in good company under the
soon-to-be full harvest moon. No experience necessary, all equipment provided.
Families welcome!
Please note that we will be working in the dark and walking
on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, long pants and
bring a headlamp or flashlight.
An RSVP is required for this event. Space is limited. Click
here for event registration. Register by September 28.
Camping is available at Chichaqua for interested attendees.
Click here to reserve your campsite.
About Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt:
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt encompasses nearly ten miles of
reconstructed and remnant prairie, oxbows, marshes and wetlands along the Skunk
River in Polk and Jasper Counties. It is home to a diverse mix of plants,
wildlife and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Since 1993, INHF
has helped the Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) and Iowa Department of
Natural (DNR) expand Chichaqua Bottoms, adding nearly 5,000 acres. The property
is now owned and managed by the PCCB in Polk County, and the DNR in Jasper
County.
Please bring:
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sturdy shoes
- Long pants
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
Directions:
From the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt park road
junction (NE 134th Ave. and NE 80th St.)
Head east on NE 134th Avenue for 3 miles. Turn
south (right) onto NE 104th Street. Drive for 1 mile until you reach
NE 126th Avenue. Turn west (right) onto NE 126th Avenue
and drive for about 0.5 miles until you reach a “Park Here” sign.
From Highway 330 (coming from the south)
Heading northeast on NE Hubbell Ave./Highway 330 and after
crossing the Skunk River Bridge, take a left onto NE 112th Street.
Drive nearly 2 miles to reach NE 126th Ave and head west (left).
Drive 1.5 miles until you reach the “Park Here” sign.
We will have directional signs located at road junctions to
assist in locating the collections site. Roadside parking will be available
alongside NE 126th Ave. and NE 98th St.
Questions?
Contact PCC Community Outreach Coordinator Melissa Schmeling
at melissa.schmeling@polkcountyiowa.gov
or 515-323-5331, or INHF Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Louis at mlouis@inhf.org or 515-288-1846
x35.
