NPS Photo

Volunteers collect grass and flower seeds from the prairie, which are planted in other parts of the prairie later, including after a prescribed fire.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site enlists local volunteers and volunteer organizations to help reconstruct the 81-acre native tallgrass prairie: a great opportunity to work hands-on with our natural resources

The type of work depends on the season and the needs of the prairie. Volunteers typically cut and haul shrubs and invasive weeds from the grassland. Volunteers adhere to the park safety program and help provide a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Project dates

The next prairie reconstruction volunteer projects are scheduled for:

Saturday, April 23, 2011: Celebrate National Park Week, the annual presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks.

Saturday, September 24, 2011: Participate in National Public Lands Day, a national volunteer effort to give back to the very lands we use to hike, bike, climb, swim, explore, picnic, or just plain relax.

How to get involved

If you'd like to help restore the 81-acre native tallgrass prairie, contact Adam Prato at (319) 643-7855 before the project dates. Meet at the Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. for an orientation and to get signed up. Work in the prairie will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable work clothes. Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended. Long pants and closed-toe footwear are required.

Forms

You may download a volunteer job description and a volunteer agreement form. Fill out the agreement form and bring it with you when you come to work. A parent or guardian must fill out and sign the parental permission section of the form for volunteers under 18.