PFI: Targeted Grazing

Prairies evolved with periodic disturbance from drought, fire and grazing. Without these pulsed “setbacks,” woody encroachment or grass threatens to diminish the robust diversity that’s the hallmark of the tallgrass prairie. Over the last few years, Stennie Nelson has been working with Doug Chafa, land manager and biologist with the Iowa DNR, as part Doug’s effort to reintroduce grazing into local wildlife management areas. Stennie raises sheep for meat and wool and grazes the Turin Preserve Wildlife Area.

Join Stennie, Doug and the sheep for a prairie-pasture walk to discuss how managed grazing aims to meet both wildlife and prairie goals alongside wool and meat production. Bring your walking shoes! This field day will involve hiking up and down rough terrain.