Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - Prairies and Grasslands

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by National Parks Service

The National Park Service reconstructed a 76-acre prairie in 1971 to represent the vast tallgrass prairie that once covered 85 percent of Iowa. Site managers planted five species of grasses on land that had been farm field for more than a century. Over the years, managers have used many techniques to continue the reconstruction process. Prescribed fire has become the primary tool for prairie management. The result today is a colorful array of flowers mixed with the green, purple, and golden hues of native grasses. Three trails loop the visitor through this 81-acre sea of tall grasses and spectacular flowering forbs. One can imagine the pioneers crossing over land where mothers feared they could lose their small children in the 6 to 12 foot tall maze of grasses.

"The scenery of the prairie is striking and never fails to cause an exclamation of surprise . . . the flowers are beautiful; the absence of shade and . . . profusion of light produce a gaiety which animates the beholder." ~ Judge Hall, 1839