G.R.A.S.S at the 2001 LHPS

AmeriCorps participation at the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar was fantastic! The Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps had approximately 40 members in the weekend long seminar near Onawa. With loppers, saws, and tons of energy, we kicked off the festivities on Friday with the Great Race Against Shrubs and Shade (G.R.A.S.S.) which was help at the Sylvan Runkel Preserve. With a feeling of accomplishment, we spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the seminar's sessions and events, learning about and enjoying the amazing area of the Loess Hills. Many who attended commented on the beautiful scenery. Linda Terry said, "I grew up in the Loess Hills but I didn't really appreciate them until I experienced the diversity of life atop the hills of the Sylvan Runkel Preserve this week." Hiking, sharing, learning...this is the essence of the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar. From the Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps newsletter June 2001 on the Iowa DNR website.