Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

From Wildbison

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (formerly Walnut Creek), located in Jasper County, Iowa, is a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the federal government. The Refuge was created by an act of Congress in 1990 to re-create 8000 acres of tallgrass prairie and oak savanna, the native plant and animal communities existing in central Iowa prior to Euro-American settlement in the 1840's.

Refuge staff and volunteers are working with conservation officers, schools, scientists, and prairie enthusiasts to preserve a piece of Iowa's natural heritage. Rare prairie and savanna seeds are being collected, studied, sown, and tended. Small savanna and prairie remnants within Refuge boundaries are being protected. Mowing, brush cutting, and prescribed burns are being used to manage both planting and remnant sites. Ongoing research is guiding the restoration processes.

The Prairie Learning Center facilities include a visitor center with book store, theater, classrooms and exhibit area. Miles of trails radiate from the Center. In addition, an 800 acre drive-through bison enclosure is also open. Teacher workshops, birding, hiking, biking, mushrooming, and wildlife watching are some of the outdoor activities featured for thousands of visitors each year.

For visitor hours and other exciting, detailed information on the refuge, visit the Friends of the Prairie Learning Center page.