March 28, 2024

Southern Iowa Oak Savanna Alliance Annual Wildflower Walk planned

DECATUR CITY — The Southern Iowa Oak Savanna Alliance is sponsoring its annual wildflower walk 10 a.m., Saturday, April 4, at Bishop Timber Wildlife Management Area, south of Decatur City.

The area is managed by the Decatur County Conservation Board and oak savanna, prairie and woodland habitats are in the process of being restored on the property.

This is a good opportunity to see some woodland management as another phase of timber stand improvement was completed on the property this past winter.

Gregg Pattison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service private lands biologist, will be on hand to discuss restoration plans and opportunities for landowners to manage habitat on their properties.

Bishop Timber Wildlife Management Area has a sizeable colony of Snow Trillium in a former limestone quarry. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the wildflowers and rare woodland habitats of Decatur County.

The walk will be through the woodland and hills above the Grand River. It is a rugged walk, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Children are welcome to attend.

Directions: From Hwy. 2, east of I-35 in Decatur City, take Fourth Street south for 0.9 miles. Keeping right at the next intersection continue on Terre Haute Road for another 2.7 miles. On the right you will see an old cemetery, we will meet here.

In addition to our wildflower hike, the annual Prairie Chicken Days event will be going on just west of Kellerton on the DNR property south of Hwy 2.

The best time to view the Greater Prairie Chickens is a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunrise.

Take an early peak at the prairie chickens then head to the hike for a day of outdoor adventures.

Contact Gregg Pattison at 641-784-5356 or Veronica Mecko (SIOSA) at admin@siosa.org with any questions.