Rewild with Prairie

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025 "4th Tuesdays" presentation, local member and Briar Cliff University Biology Professor, David Hoferer educated our audience on the history and current health issues of Bur Oak trees.
Watch David Hoferer's presentation here: The Decline of the King of the Great Plains
 
 
On Saturday, June 15, 2025, at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, we invited a diverse group of participants from conservation organizations, landowners, along with laypeople to hear their perspectives and ideas in order to create a collaboration in helping rewild Northwest Iowa. It was a unique opportunity to learn more about the concept of rewilding and share and implement ideas. 
 
The event was led by Dr David Hoferer from Briar Cliff University. By the end of the session, we had a road map we could follow to Rewild Northwest Iowa! 
 
This Rewild with Prairie tab was created for visitors to follow our progress as the campaign grows. 
 
 

The Beauty and Complexity of Prairies

On Monday, November 18, 2024, ecologist and photographer Chris Helzer shared stories about the incredible diversity of plants and animals that live in prairies. He also talked about human relationships with grasslands, including land stewardship practices, both historic and contemporary, that keep prairies healthy and productive.

 We would like to thank all of you who attended Chris Helzer's recent presentation. It's likely each of us learned at least one new fact, while at the same time, being thoroughly entertained by his friendly delivery. If you missed the program or would like to see it again, we have you covered!  The Beauty and Complexity of Prairies - YouTube

Two of our friends, Lilly, and her mother, Danielle, are featured in this Sioux City Prairie PSA:  https://graytv-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/dave_washburn_gray_tv/EejC1lWrUSdImr6w3x04bcgBlLXZUvqI7sQ4yHNmupOCUw

Did you know that Sioux City Prairie is the largest tallgrass prairie preserve within city limits in the entire country?  The 150 acre Sioux City Prairie is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.  You can access the prairie from the west side of Briar Cliff University and from Talbot Road.

Our local public radio station is now airing our Rewild with Prairie spots encouraging listeners to visit prairies in our region and to support preservation and rewilding efforts. The following is an example: "Support for Siouxland Public Media comes from the Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club celebrating efforts to preserve northwest Iowa’s prairies, including the Sioux City Prairie, THE largest urban tall grass prairie in the United States. Visit the prairies in our region and support preservation and rewilding efforts." Find out more about our friends here KWIT | Siouxland Public Media KWIT-KOJI

Possible changes to Endangered Species Act could broaden habitat loss in Iowa aired on Siouxland Public Medial on May 23, 2025. Please give it a listen or look

Check out all the birds that have been sighted at Sioux City Prairie!
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1111088/bird-list

Are your curious about the concept of Rewilding? Local Sierra Club member, David Hoferer, agreed to present a primer during a "4th Tuesdays" program in 2022. Rewilding - March's "4th Tuesday" program

And again in 2024 Rewilding in Northwest Iowa - What, Why, How - Dr. David Hoferer

A big "Thanks" to Patrick for agreeing to present the following program:  Restorative Recreation by Patrick Swanson - YouTube

The initial June 15, 2024, grassroots brainstorming program, The Beauty and Complexity of Prairies program, and public service spots found on this page are part of an ongoing project coordinated by Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club, which is being funded by BeWildReWild.org.