Spring on the Prairie at Neal Smith NWR (IA)

by Joan VanGorp. President, Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge  

In the Midwest, everyone looks forward to spring with warmer temps and the landscape and trees turning green. At Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, the tallgrass prairie is a little later to awaken, but there is still plenty to see. Both the Savanna Trail and Basswood Trail are full of spring ephemerals, including wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) shown in the photo. Refuge staff, with help from the Friends, will lead walks through the trails. 

We especially enjoy seeing the migrating birds return – American Redstarts, Orioles, Common Yellowthroats are just a few, along with the Dickcissels, which are, for us, the definite sign that warm weather is here to stay! Volunteers and staff lead bird walks, and the Friends are planning to start regular photo hikes, not only to see birds but to show visitors all parts of the prairie. The Prairie Point Nature Store is also ready for spring, stocked with a variety of books and field guides to help visitors—whether children or experienced hikers and birders—to learn about all the wonderful spring flowers and the birds they may see while exploring the refuge. 

Bison calves are the most anticipated arrivals of spring. Calves can be born any time of the year, but April and May are the most common times. Visitors get an opportunity to see the bison up close as they drive through the enclosure, where they may also spot grazing elk.