TPC Seminar Series

The Persistence of Prairie and People: The Emergence of the Native Seed Industry in the Upper Midwest

Andy Olson explores the emergence of the native seed industry from the Dust Bowl until present day. A wide array of individuals - including growers, scientists, and government officials - have persistently utilized and advocated for the use of native vegetation in a political and cultural landscape often hostile to the idea. Only in the face of environmental and financial crises have farmers, private-industry, and government turned towards prairie as a solution. 

Aldo Leopold, Paul Johnson, and a Land Ethic for Iowa (and Beyond)

Iowa has been home to many conservationists who have shaped the state’s landscape, and whose influence has reached far beyond the state’s borders. These include Burlington native son Aldo Leopold and Decorah farmer Paul Johnson. Curt Meine wrote the first biography of Leopold, and has just published a collection of Paul Johnson’s writings, We Can Do Better: Collected Writings on Land, Conservation, and Public Policy (Ice Cube Press). Curt will share stories of his work on these two conservation leaders and the connections between them—and what their legacies hold for Iowa today.

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

This seminar features a screening of the 2002 feature film "America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie" (the film can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/79230293) 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 
 

Session One

Join Jackson County Naturalist Tony Vorwald and prairie advocate Ray Hamilton to discuss the challenges in protecting and managing Codfish Hollow Prairie and other remnants.

Session Two

Join Iowa DNR Ecologist John Pearson to learn more about the role of the Iowa Natural Areas Inventory in the preservation and stewardship of prairie. 

Session Three

Join Brian Fankhauser of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Gregg Pattison of the US Fish and Wildlife Service to discuss their roles in managing our state's remnant prairies. 

Tallgrass Prairie Center — "Through an Artist's Eyes" with Erin Anfinson

Monarchs in the Cedar Valley, with Jim Weimer, Todd Derifield and Jacob Geller

Developing a Native Seed Harvest and Production Program for Iowa’s Unique Loess Hills Prairies