Landers Prairie Dedication Set for May 18

Story County Conservation (SCC) invites prairie enthusiasts to celebrate the dedication of Landers Prairie on Sunday, May 18, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Prairie Valley Preserve near Gilbert, Iowa.

The prairie is named in honor of the late Dr. R.Q. “Jake” Landers, a pioneering educator and conservationist known for his early work in identifying prairie remnants, advancing reconstruction methods and promoting prairie management practices. The dedication will include brief remarks, a guided prairie walk led by Dr. Tom Rosburg and several speakers: SCC Board Member Dr. Jim Pease, Joyce Hornstein and Amy Landers Ness.

Dr. Landers taught at Iowa State University from 1962 to 1979, inspiring students through hands-on teaching and advocacy for using native seed sources and fire for management. His work helped shape the future of prairie restoration in Iowa.

A milestone in Landers’ legacy was his partnership with the Doolittle family in the 1970s to collect and distribute native prairie seed—from the notable Doolittle Prairie—laying the groundwork for many reconstructed prairies across central Iowa.

Landers’ collaboration with SCC helped establish Story County as one of Iowa’s first leaders in undertaking prairie reconstruction and management. He guided early efforts at McFarland Park, including SCC’s first experimental planting following Roundup (glyphosate) application to kill existing vegetation.

Landers Prairie is home to several notable species, including the threatened Chapman’s bluegrass (Poa chapmaniana), found in only three locations statewide, as well as prairie larkspur (Delphinium carolinianum) and fringed puccoon (Lithospermum incisum).

Prairie Valley Preserve is not yet open to the public but is anticipated to open this summer. Subscribe to SCC’s emails to stay in the loop.

Event Location:
Prairie Valley Preserve
50352 Blazing Star Street, Ames, IA

SCC’s newest park, Prairie Valley Preserve, spans 74 acres along Ioway Creek, with 50 acres of prairie—including scattered remnant patches—and a constructed wetland.