The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City is in need of volunteers for their Second Saturday Stewardship event this weekend. Visitor Services Intern Madison Zink says that volunteers for the event will help restore the tallgrass prairie ecosystem at the refuge. 

“Right now it’s mainly gonna be focused on taking seed that previous Saturday Stewardship Volunteers have collected, cleaning them, and preparing them in order to plant them and keep growing our prairie. ”

The work will be done inside the seed lab at the visitor center from 9:00am – 12:00pm this Saturday. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to participate in the event, and free hot chocolate and snacks will be available for volunteers. Participants are required to fill out a volunteer agreement, and those under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the form. Volunteers are also required to wear closed sturdy shoes and pants.

For additional information or to register, contact the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at 515-994-3400.