Join the Iowa DNR, INHF, The Nature Conservancy, County Conservation Boards from Monona, Woodbury, Harrison, and Pottawattamie counties, and many other organizations for the Great Race Against Shrubs and Shade (G.R.A.S.S.) — one of Iowa’s largest land restoration events! This year’s workday will take place at the Turin Wildlife Management Area, where volunteers and partner organizations will work together to remove invasive cedar trees and help preserve the health and vitality of the Loess Hills' hillside prairies.
No RSVP necessary—just show up!
What to expect
- This event is not for the faint of heart. The terrain is steep and uneven, and the work is intense.
- Volunteers will clear and pile cedar trees that have been cut by stewardship staff and interns
- No experience necessary
Needed attire & equipment
- Water Bottle
- Sturdy Boots or shoes, long pants and shirt you don’t mind getting dirty or torn by thorns
- Helmet, gloves, loppers, safety glasses, ear plugs and sunscreen—if you have them (we will have a few extras)
Other details
- Porta-potty will be onsite
- This site may have ticks, poison ivy, mosquitos, plants with thorns or other natural hazards · You will be asked to acknowledge a liability waiver when you arrive
About Turin Wildlife Management Area
The Monona County Conservation Board and Iowa DNR partnered with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to acquire 280 acres from the Reese family—land they had owned since 1856. Overlooking the Missouri River valley from the Loess Hills, the Turin Wildlife Management Area was once a bed-and-breakfast and is now part of the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area, a key migration corridor for raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds. It also provides critical habitat for species like bullsnakes, fox snakes, six-lined racerunners, and the hognose snake, a species of greatest conservation need.
Directions
From Onawa— Follow IA-175 east for 7.1 miles to Turin. Turn left onto Oak Ave on the east side of Turin. Continue for three miles and turn left onto 210th Street. The Destination will be on your left. Look for LHPS signs.
Contact Doug Chafa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Biologist, with questions at Doug.Chafa@dnr.iowa.gov.
Commitment to Diversity
INHF is committed to ensuring that its policies, practices, and systems are free of barriers, emphasize the value of diversity, and promote full participation to ensure dignity, respect, and equal access for all.