Tallgrass Prairie Center Information

Dr. Laura Jackson became director in 2013. It is located on the UNI west campus and includes staff and student offices, a 40-seat classroom and meeting space, a research lab, fully equipped seed cleaning labs, a long-term seed storage room, a large shop and equipment storage space, tractor, native seed drills, research plot combine, prescribed fire equipment, an 1800-square foot greenhouse, 65 acres of campus for native seed production nurseries, and a separate storage garage for additional large implements. The name was changed January 1, 2006, to more accurately reflect its mission, programs, and activities. Many of the programs are accomplished through partnerships with organizations, associations, and federal, state and local agencies. The land, equipment, facilities and staff of the TPC support a variety of UNI faculty research projects, creating enriching opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa. The primary programs of the Center are Research and Restoration, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM), Plant Materials, and Prairie on Farms. The Research and Restoration Program reflects UNI's 30-year commitment to prairie reconstruction, restoration, management, and advocacy. The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program (IRVM) was established in 1988 to assist Iowa counties in implementing IRVM programs using native vegetation. Plant Materials (formerly the Natural Selections Program, initiated in 1990) develops regionally adapted Iowa Source Identified foundation seed for commercial production. The Prairie on Farms program began in 2015 as a way to spread best practices and seed mixes to conservation plantings on farms, such as contour filter strips. Irvine Prairie was dedicated in 2018. Visiting the Center