Moonlight Seed Harvest

RSVP

Join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Polk County Conservation for the 3rd annual Moonlight Seed Harvest at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt!

Volunteers will hand harvest native prairie seed under the full moon. Seed collected will be used to diversify and expand the prairie at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, a ten-mile nature preserve north of Des Moines. We'll end the evening with a bonfire and s'mores at the nearby Youth Camp Area. 

All are welcome to come and get away. No experience necessary. Families welcome. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 21.

An RSVP is required for this event. Space is limited.

Please note: we will be working in the dark and walking on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, long pants and bring a headlamp or flashlight – if you have one. 

Camping is available at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt for interested attendees. Visit mycountyparks.com to reserve your campsite.

Partners 

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Polk County Conservation

About Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt encompasses nearly ten miles of reconstructed and remnant prairie, oxbows, marshes and wetlands along the Skunk River in Polk and Jasper Counties. It is home to a diverse mix of plants, wildlife and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Since 1993, INHF has helped the Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) and Iowa Department of Natural (DNR) expand Chichaqua Bottoms, adding nearly 5,000 acres. The property is now owned and managed by the PCCB in Polk County, and the DNR in Jasper County.

Please bring/wear:

• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, long pants and layers
• Headlamps and flashlights, if you have them (we will have some extras)
• Water bottle
• Insect repellent
• All other equipment provided

Details:

• No experience necessary
• Families welcome
• Please note that we will be working in the dark on uneven terrain
• Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace
• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver

Directions

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is located half an hour north of Des Moines near Elkhart and Bondurant. From Des Moines, take I-80 E to Altoona Exit 142 and drive northeast on Hubbell Ave/Highway 330/65 for approximately 13 miles. Turn left (north) on NE 112th St. Turn left (west) at NE 118th Ave. Continue 1 mile and turn right (north) onto NE 104th St. Drive until you reach the parking signs.

Questions?

Contact Melanie Louis at mlouis@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 35.

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