Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Staci Mueller Tells Us Tales of Tall Grasses

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - When I see tall grass at my home, I’m reminded that I fought the

lawn and the lawn won!  

Staci Mueller Outreach Coordinator of the Tall Grass Prairie Center at UNI explained that’s what Iowa has been for eons;  a virgin tallgrass prairie eco-system with fertile fields that were perfect for growing crops.  As the prairie was converted to agriculture, the farmers were able to feed the world with their produce.

Now there is a movement to return back a portion of the cropland, farmland, and roadway ditches to 75 native grasses.  The Tall Grass Prairie Center is experimenting with different seeds for research and restoration to develop stronger species to grow in harsher environments and show how it use to look in the Midwest hundreds of years ago.  These prairie plants are responsible for the rich cropland that farmers make their living on.  

Thank you Staci for all that you and your Center do to preserve our lands.

Written by Lynn Barnes

Here is a link to an 11-minute virtual tour of the Fall Prairie Walk


Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Patrick and Sammi Helped Us Discover the Possibilities of Mosaic

August 11, 2020 - Some people with special needs have difficulty adapting to the environment of group homes and are prime candidates for alternative solutions.  The specialized community of Mosaic of Northern Iowa is available; to offer a different lifestyle for these individuals.  Patrick Costigan, Executive Director, and Sammi Scholtes, Community Relations Manager; gave insight into the inner workings of their caring organization.  Their clients live in their caregivers' homes, just like an actual family member.  It is easy for them to make friends, make a contribution to society, and have a meaningful day.  Mosaic cares for 120 individuals in Northeast Iowa - some living in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls vicinity.  This successful program has been around since 1913 and is a Lutheran faith-based organization.