About the State

Iowa’s natural vegetation consists of tall grass prairie and oak savannas on well-drained soils and uplands.  In more mesic habitats and floodplains, forests and wetlands are found.  Pothole wetlands are scattered through the Des Moines Lobe.  The western side of the state contains ecologically distinctive loess hills while the northwest corner of the state hosts algific talus slopes and karst geology. 

Useful Resources for Ecological Managers and Students:

Iowa is rich with organizations and resources where you can connect with experts and restoration advocates.  The following links connect to a few for you to explore:

The University of Northern Iowa also provides tremendous support for restoration and conservation of Iowa’s native plant and animal communities through the Tallgrass Prairie Center.  Click here for more details.

Find out about upcoming events in Iowa:

Iowa Prairie Network hosts a variety of events each month- use this calendar link to access each one (relevant contacts provided within the calendar): https://www.iowaprairienetwork.org/events

Raccoon River Watershed Association- https://www.raccoonriver.org/ – Life in the Raccoon River April 22, 2023

North American Prairie Conference (June 25-29): http://www.northamericanprairie.org/- for information about the 2023 North American Prairie Conference

Iowa Association of Naturalists:  https://www.iowanaturalists.org/workshops/upcoming-workshops

Source: Map of Iowa created by INHF. See here for more information.

Contact your MWGL SER State Representative:

Dr. Keith Summerville, keith.summerville@gmail.com