Monday, July 28, 2008

A Sliver Of Paradise




The newest preserve of the Johnson County Heritage Trust is a small pocket prairie remnant next to an old railroad right of way... one of the few scraps of our disappearing natural heritage here in Iowa.

Posted by Picasa

Comments:
These are beautiful pictures of the meadow, from the misty morning shot to the bright, colourful field of flowers.
Is this part of the same area you've been working on clearing in the last post? It must be very satisfying to see the native prairie flourish, as the invasive brush is removed. Attracting the many birds to the meadow emphasizes why it's so important to maintain the prairie lands.
 
Hi Don, I'm having trouble leaving comments these days... anyway, I wanted to tell you how beautiful your photographs are and how happy I am that people are finding and caring for native (as well as creating new) prairies.

I grew up in northern Iowa on a farm. There used to be a LOT more "untouched" land during the first 15-20 years of my lifetime. There was also grazing livestock on most farms. Anyway, my mom remembers how the meadow across from our driveway was full of pasque flower, etc. It was later tilled.
It's understandable when it comes to the need for small farmers to provide for their families, but at the same time it's a sad tale.
 
I think we should all get together and buy a giant swath of Iowa land and turn it into the Iowa version of Yellowstone National Park, full or prairie grass, wild flowers, cougars, coyotes, etc., and all the other native flora and fauna.

Why not? Who says the northwest is any more beautiful or that the animals are more worth saving than in Iowa?
 
Don ... your 'Sliver of Paradise' photos, especially the top, are 'as good as it gets'! After the horrific rains, hope your summer is gently rolling in ...
 
Northern Shade... it is indeed part of the preserve. I think it's going to be quite nice.
Nancy... glad you like it!
Shady... younger people cannot understand how very much 9for the worse) things have changed.

Moe... between Nature Conservancy and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, we're actually making a little progress. Something that is kind of a secret, is how many, many parcels of land are being held by individuals who are creating little prairies or savannas.
joey... it's still pretty soggy (I had wet feet wandering around this little prairie).

Don
 
Post a Comment



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?