Prairie Valley Preserve


Prairie Valley Preserve includes wetland and almost 50 acres of prairie, including remnant prairie. It is home to one of the very few remaining native prairies in Iowa. This prairie is special as it is a xeric, or dry soil prairie. Xeric prairies are rare for this area, as most local prairies are moist and support different species of plants.

The preserve also includes 20 acres of wetland. This preserve is the first example in Story County of routing district tile water into an existing wetland. This process will help improve water quality, provide needed wetland habitat for wildlife, and enhance the existing wetland. 

 



Location

50352 Blazing Star St.  Ames, IA 50014

Located at the corner of 170th St and R38.



Features

This park will include hiking trails, a picnic spot, and resting areas to observe nature's beauty. There is currently 1 mile of grass trail through the preserve. 

Operating Hours & Seasons

This park is open 5:00AM - 10:30PM daily. 

Closures

This area is open year round.