Friends of the TPC | Tallgrass Prairie Center

Charitable donations to the Friends of the TPC are critical to our success. With your support, we have the flexibility to fund things we cannot with federal, state, or private grants. We are able to reach a much broader audience who value the beauty and ecological importance of tallgrass prairies, now and into the future.

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GIA members working in the production plots

Multiplying our impact by hosting Green Iowa AmeriCorps

Friends co-sponsor our participation in Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Serving for terms ranging from three months to two years, members have helped us to develop key publications, coordinate volunteers, manage and promote UNI's Biological Preserves, and deliver educational programming for the general public.

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Spring Seminar Series

One of the TPC's most important roles is to promote the appreciation of prairie. The Spring Seminar Series, sponsored solely by the Friends, promotes discussion of key issues in prairie conservation. In winter 2022–2023, over 1,000 people enjoyed online presentations by landscape designer Doug Tallamy, Nature Conservancy scientist Chris Helzer, and landowner Chris Taliga.

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Pale purple coneflower in bloom at Daryl Smith prairie

Assisting with individual prairie projects

The Friends co-sponsor the TPC Help Desk. Staffed by a trusted collaborator with over 30 years of prairie experience, the Help Desk provides one-on-one expert assistance to landowners seeking advice on their prairie projects.

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Upgrading equipment and infrastructure

Upkeep is a never-ending process. This past year Friends donations helped us replace the decrepit Ford Ranger with a versatile John Deere Gator. Soon we will need to put new panels on the greenhouse roof, a major repair.

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Two young children explore the prairie, pictured among goldenrod in bloom

Pursuing our vision, courageously

Many of our remaining prairie remnants, once teeming with thousands of native species, are overcome by brush and invasive grasses. We are exploring ways the TPC can support local prairie managers throughout the region.

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AmeriCorps presenting at the North American Prairie Conference

Serving the prairie community

The Friends have made it possible for us to serve the larger prairie community by sponsoring important regional and national meetings such as the North American Prairie Conference. We promote the growth and vibrancy of prairie organizations in Iowa by sending students and AmeriCorps members to meetings and field trips.

Support the Tallgrass Prairie Center

Tallgrass Prairie Center Endowed Fund for Excellence

Your donation makes it possible for us to plan for the future with confidence, thanks to steady income.

Friends of the Tallgrass Prairie Center

Your donation gives us flexibility to do things we cannot do with federal, state, or private grants. We can reach a much broader audience through prairie outreach and education, while fostering the development of early-career conservation professionals.

Daryl Smith Prairie Endowment Fund

UNI’s flagship Biological Preserve, Daryl Smith Prairie, has educated and inspired students since 1973. This fund is used to conduct prescribed burns and suppress woody species, while offering UNI students an unforgettable experience in prairie stewardship.

Access the secure online giving form through the UNI Foundation:

‌Donate

Or, write a check payable to the UNI Foundation, with a note directing it to your preferred fund, and addressed to

UNI Foundation / 121 Commons / Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0239.