North Iowa now offers great opportunity for wildflower viewing

MASON CITY – North Iowa is now entering prime viewing time for wildflowers in native and restored prairies, but don’t expect to drive too far to see one of nature’s most dazzling displays of color. There are numerous opportunities to view both native and restored prairies right here in Cerro Gordo County, some of which can be observed from the comfort of your vehicle. Since the establishment of an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program in 1988, the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board has been restoring and managing native prairies in the right of way. On a yearly basis, the roadside management staff restores approximately 10-20 acres of roadside vegetation from what was primarily a monoculture of introduced species, to a diverse mix of native wildflowers and grasses. These sites can be found throughout the county, and are easily identified by brown or yellow signs that read “Roadside Prairie Restoration”.

For a list of some of the best wildflower viewing locations in Cerro Gordo County, you can download a “Recreational Experiences Close To Home” brochure from our website, or stop by the Lime Creek Nature Center to pick one up. Not a wildflower expert, no problem! While you are visiting the nature center be sure to ask for your free copy of our native prairie plant identification guide to assist on your tour of Roadside Prairies. You can also keep up to date on what is currently blooming by visiting the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board’s Facebook page as we are adding new photos frequently.

The Conservation Board would like to encourage those interested to visit and enjoy these native prairie restoration sites, but remember that picking, harvesting, or otherwise disturbing the vegetation is prohibited. Please leave these sites how you find them for others to enjoy.