January-February

  • The Aquatic Biology class studies organisms and winter conditions in the Skunk River.
  • CERA's manager plans restoration projects.

March

  • Controlled burns of prairie and savanna areas.

April-May

  • "Organisms, Evolution, & Ecology" classes study long-term fire experiments.
  • The Avian Biology class records the arrival of migrating birds.
  • Alumni and their families visit during Alumni Weekend.

June-August

  • Student interns begin summer restoration work.
  • Biology students conduct research supervised by Grinnell faculty.
  • The Center for Prairie Studies takes community members on field trips to CERA.
  • Controlled burns of prairie plots.

September-October

  • Local 4th graders learn about prairie from Grinnell College students and faculty.
  • Tutorials from many departments (e.g., anthropology, art, English, religious studies) visit CERA.
  • The Prairie Restoration class studies the ecological effects of fire on prairies.
  • Field classes (e.g., Evolution of the Iowa Flora, and Fungal Biology) use CERA as a base.
  • Students and community members collect prairie seeds.

November

  • Controlled burns of prairie, savanna, and woodland areas.

December

  • Time for cross-country skiing.