Long-time INPS member, Dr. Tom Rosburg, led two different field trips in northeast Iowa on May 3, 2025. The original intent was to explore Hayden Prairie State Preserve, but Mother nature had other plans. The timing of the field trip was not on schedule ecologically. We were a week too early to see shooting stars in blooms and maybe two weeks ahead of prairie smoke. Management activities had also (and thankfully) taken place on site. Several acres had been burned in the last few weeks. The silver lining is management is happening and hundreds, if not thousands, of shooting stars will be visible in bloom in short time. These set backs did not stop a group of 12 attendees to discuss seedling identification of prairie plants, prairie management, insects the prairie is supporting, and a history lesson of the site.
It was important for Dr. Tom Rosburg and INPS President, Sarah Nizzi, to still offer something more to those who traveled to see flowers in bloom. The group decided to venture about 30 minutes east to visit Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve in Winneshiek County. We greatly appreciate all the attendees who were willing and able to be flexible! Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve did not disappoint! We saw many spring ephemerals, the iconic fir stand, native blooming shrubs, and even a goat prairie! The goat prairie was a nice surprise and offered many blooming gems like, violet wood sorrel (Oxalis violacea) and hoary puccoon (Lithospermum canescens). Although seeing shooting stars and prairie smoke in bloom would have been incredible, and changing plans on the fly is not ideal, enjoying multiple ecosystems in one day was worth the time and we’re grateful to have such special places in our beautiful state.
