Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is looking for individuals or groups to volunteer by collecting native prairie plant seeds for two upcoming events. The first opportunity will be the observance of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort on public lands. Part of the mission of the Neal Smith NWR is to reconstruct tallgrass prairie and oak savanna. An important step towards accomplishing this mission is harvesting native prairie seed.
In honor of pioneer conservationist, J.N. “Ding” Darling, as well as observing National Wildlife Refuge Week, the Neal Smith NWR is hosting stewardship opportunities on Saturday, October 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. From collecting seeds to removing invasive plants, everyone will have an opportunity to help restore prairie habitat at the Refuge. A FREE lunch will be provided by the Friends of Neal Smith NWR.
Pre-registration is required for both events. Please call 515-994-3400 or email Doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov to register.