Tallgrass Prairie at the University of Northern Iowa: A Proud Past, A Bold Future

Session Three — 2026 Restoration and Management Seminar Series

• 5:30 p.m. CST Welcome & Refreshments
• 6:00 p.m. CST Screening of America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie
• 6:45 p.m. CST Panel of UNI Alumni & Daryl Smith 

Join us this Earth Week to celebrate the legacy of tallgrass prairie at the University of Northern Iowa. This free seminar features a screening of the 2002 feature film "America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie" and a panel discussion featuring past and recent UNI alumni. Hear from UNI's "Prairie Panthers" as they continue to build the future of prairie restoration in Iowa and beyond. Panelists include: 

• Dr. Daryl Smith, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Science Education, UNI & Founder of the Tallgrass Prairie Center

• Pauline Drobney, ‘75 & ‘90, Prairie Zone Biologist, formerly with the USFWS at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

• Allie Barth, ‘07, Senior Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

• Erin Van Waus, ‘07 & ‘08, Conservation Easement Director at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation 

Virtual attendees are welcome to watch the film independently and join zoom for the panel discussion. The film can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/79230293.