Description
More than 900 regal fritillaries, orange and yellow butterflies, have been observed in a single survey at Knapp prairie, making it one of the largest U.S. populations of this butterfly. The Nature Conservancy harvests seeds from the plants that attract these butterflies for use in restoring other prairies in the area.
Why You Should Visit
Knapp Prairie Preserve is dominated by tallgrass prairie species adapted to deeper, mesic loess soils. Knapp Prairie is also an important prairie butterfly conservation area.
Location
Plymouth County, 3 ½ hours northwest of Des Moines.
Conditions
The terrain is steep and rugged in places and predominantly grasslands. Expect to see snakes, insects, grassland birds and breathtaking vistas while you hike.
Why TNC Selected This Site
Knapp Prairie was donated to The Nature Conservancy by Barry and Carolyn Knapp in 1997. It is a rare example of mesic Loess Hills prairie growing on the lower portions of moderate slopes, saved from conversion to row crops or brome pasture by the tradition of cutting prairie hay.
What TNC Has Done/Is Doing
This site is an important seed source for the reconstruction of lower slopes and valleys at other nearby preserves.
