Business Details
33 Years
experience
Conserving Iowa's Native Ecosystems
Founded in 1993, we are a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to protecting and restoring native ecosystems at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Our mission focuses on fostering public engagement through education, conservation projects, and community partnerships. With over three decades of experience, we have spearheaded initiatives like habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and youth programs to ensure ecological sustainability. Our team collaborates with federal agencies, local schools, and volunteers to expand protected lands and promote environmental stewardship. We organize annual events such as the Photography Contest and Walk for the Wild to engage the public while supporting critical refuge operations.Through grants and donations, we fund infrastructure improvements, research, and outreach programs that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Our track record includes receiving national awards for excellence in conservation partnerships. We maintain transparency through annual reports and actively seek members to strengthen our impact. By bridging public interest with scientific expertise, we strive to preserve tallgrass prairies, oak savannas, and diverse species for future generations.
Services
Habitat Restoration
Wildlife Monitoring
Educational Programs
Photography Contests
Volunteer Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in prairie ecosystem conservation.
- Our team collaborates with federal agencies on wildlife research projects.
- We organize award-winning community engagement initiatives like the Photography Contest.
- We maintain full transparency through annual reports and public funding disclosures.
- Our volunteer programs provide hands-on conservation opportunities for all ages.
What people say
Amazing restoration work
Engaging youth programs
Beautiful photography exhibits
Valuable research contributions
Dedicated volunteer opportunities
Services
Habitat Restoration
We implement science-based restoration projects to revive native tallgrass prairies and oak savannas. Our team removes invasive species, plants native vegetation, and monitors ecological recovery. This work creates sustainable habitats for endangered species and improves biodiversity.
Wildlife Monitoring
Our biologists conduct regular surveys of bison, elk, and endangered species like Topeka Shiners. We collect data on population health, migration patterns, and habitat usage to inform conservation strategies and ensure ecosystem balance.
Educational Programs
We offer hands-on learning experiences through internships, school partnerships, and public workshops. Our programs teach ecological principles, conservation techniques, and the importance of protecting native landscapes for all age groups.
Photography Contests
Annual contests celebrate the refuge's beauty while promoting environmental awareness. Participants capture wildlife and landscapes, with winning entries displayed publicly to inspire conservation advocacy through visual storytelling.
Volunteer Coordination
We organize volunteer opportunities for habitat maintenance, event support, and citizen science projects. These programs engage the public in direct conservation efforts while building community connections to natural resources.
People
Evelyn Ince
Biology Intern
Conducts seed planting and invasive species monitoring. Specializes in early blooming plant restoration and habitat management techniques.
Norah Shires
Summer Intern
Focuses on wildlife health assessments and invasive plant removal. Participates in bison fecal matter analysis and ecological surveys.
Connor Bennett
Summer Intern
Specializes in invasive species control using targeted herbicide applications. Documents plant species interactions and restoration progress.
Danica Linn
Biology Intern
Conducts bison health assessments and population surveys. Uses digital tools to track wildlife condition metrics and habitat usage patterns.
Madison Zink
Visitor Services Intern
Develops educational outreach programs including Storybook Trails. Creates engaging nature experiences for families during facility closures.
Questions
What is your organization's primary mission?
We protect and restore native ecosystems at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge through conservation, education, and community partnerships.
How can I participate in habitat restoration?
Join our volunteer programs for hands-on opportunities removing invasive species and planting native vegetation across refuge lands.
Are photography contest entries limited to professionals?
No - our annual contest welcomes all skill levels, including youth entries, with categories for different age groups and subjects.
How do you monitor wildlife health?
We conduct regular surveys, collect biological samples, and track population metrics using field observations and digital data collection tools.
Can schools participate in educational programs?
Yes - we partner with local schools for internships, field studies, and classroom resources focused on prairie ecosystem conservation.
