Center for Prairie Studies Field Guides, Video, and Collaborative Publications
As part of its mission to draw attention to the natural and cultural aspects of the prairie region, the Center for Prairie Studies issues occasional publications on a variety of topics. These publications are available free of charge through the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Drake Community Library, or directly from the Center. Electronic versions are also available by clicking on the link to each publication.
Nature Preserves Near Grinnell is a 60-page, full color guide which provides a detailed introduction to five diverse natural areas within 15 miles of Grinnell. Russ Tabbert, nature enthusiast from Grinnell, authored the text for this guide which provides information about the natural features of these areas. Each section includes several images of plants and animals found at each preserve. A commentary on conservation efforts is also included.
Checklists for Iowa Wildlife Individual sections of Nature Preserves Near Grinnell can be downloaded below. To request a copy of Nature Preserves Near Grinnell or the Checklists for Iowa Wildlife, please e-mail Laureen Van Wyk.
Nature Preserves Near Grinnell
Other Center for Prairie Studies Publications
The following publications of the Center for Prairie Studies are available free of charge at the Center, the Grinnell College Bookstore, Stewart Library, and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, or online by clicking on the following links:
Guide to Prairie Sites Near Grinnell, Iowa is a publication describing the 51 prairie remnants, restorations and reconstructions near Grinnell. Accompanying the description are directions to each of the prairie sites.
2013 Grinnell Area Local Foods Guide is intended to promote a local food system. It provides a listing of area producers and the food they market locally as well as a listing of regional farmer's markets.
A Beginner's Guide to Wild Edible Plants in the Grinnell Area provides information about twenty one wild plants growing in the Grinnell area which can be used for food, beverages or medicine.
Beginner's Field Guide to Grinnell and Its Environs provides information on many aspects of Grinnell. The booklet includes history of Grinnell, architectural highlights, information about Iowa agriculture, and things to see and do.
Our Trees, A Guide to Trees in Grinnell is an updated and annotated edition of Henry S. Conard's Our Trees published in 1927.
1996 North Campus Tree Guide and Map
1996 South Campus Tree Guide and Map
Center for Prairie Studies Video
The Center for Prairie Studies has released a multimedia video production, Prairie Through the Seasons. The 27-minute video features photographs by several local photographers, narration by Sandy and Betty Moffett, and music by Jonathan Chenette. The changes of seasons on the prairie happen so gradually, yet are so distinct. From May to October prairie blooms color the landscape with all of the colors of the rainbow. But even after the first heavy frost brings an end to the flowering, the prairie presents a lovely canvas in the russet hues of fall or decorated with winter snow. This video captures the beauty in each of the seasons on the prairie. Check back soon to view "Prairie through the Seasons."
Collaborative Publications
The Center collaborated in the publication of : Roots of Renewal: An Exhibition and Community Partnership(2003). Picturing Grinnell: A Look at an Iowa Town in Its 150th Year (2004). In 2005, the Center for Prairie Studies collaborated with the Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development office, Free River Press, and author and publisher Robert Wolf to create The Iowa River Corridor Book: A Subregional Profile from the Amanas to Tama and Toledo. The publication, based on the premise that economic and cultural regionalism offer an alternative to globalization, explores the Iowa River corridor through short essays (many written by Grinnell College students and faculty), photographs (most of them taken by high school students from corridor communities), and an assessment of community assets and needs. Copies of these publications can be obtained by contacting the Center at (641)-269-4720 or by e-mailing us.