![National Park Service Logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/templates/images/graphics/parkblackband.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/templates/images/graphics/blkshim.gif) |
![National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/templates/images/graphics/prntarrw.gif) ![National Park Service Arrowhead](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/templates/images/graphics/prnttitl.gif) |
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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Prairies and Grasslands
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
"The scenery of the prairie is striking and never fails to cause an exclamation of surprise... the flowers are beautiful; the absence of shade and... profusion of light produce a gaiety which animates the beholder."
Judge James Hall, ca. 1839
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![Green prairie grasses darken under approaching storm clouds. Green prairie grasses darken under approaching storm clouds.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/heho/naturescience/images/prairie_storm_285w.jpg) |
NPS Photo | Big bluestem and Indian grass dominate the vast open spaces of the restored prairie. |
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The National Park Service reconstructed a tallgrass prairie in 1971 to represent the vast grassland that once covered 85 percent of Iowa. Site managers planted five species of grasses on land that had been farm field for more than a century.
Over the years, managers have used many techniques to continue the reconstruction process. Prescribed fire has become the primary tool for prairie management. The result today is a colorful array of flowers mixed with the green, purple, and golden hues of native grasses.
Three trails loop the visitor through this 81-acre sea of tall grasses and spectacular flowering forbs. One can imagine the pioneers crossing over land where mothers feared they could lose their small children in the 6 to 12 foot tall maze of grasses.
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Related Documents and Publications
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![A volunteer collects prairie seeds surrounded by blossoming yellow goldenrod. A volunteer collects prairie seeds surrounded by blossoming yellow goldenrod.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/HEHO_p9wccfy4_npld_65x65.jpg) Prairie Restoration Volunteer Projects Volunteer to restore native tallgrass prairie on National Public Lands Day. more... | | ![Two bright yellow flowers in a green field. Two bright yellow flowers in a green field.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/HEHO_yellow_coneflowers_65x65.jpg) Tallgrass Prairie The 81-acre restored tallgrass enhances the commemorative setting of the historic site. more... | | ![Scientists monitor plants in the tallgrass prairie. Scientists monitor plants in the tallgrass prairie.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/HEHO_nf0pm8vw.jpg) Inventory & Monitoring Natural resources inventory and monitoring at Herbert Hoover NHS more... | | ![A park ranger leading a guided tour for elementary school children. A park ranger leading a guided tour for elementary school children.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/HEHO_n4ctjp0p_ranger_schooltour_65x65.jpg) Plan A Field Trip Reservations, activities, and curriculum materials for teachers and their students. more... | |
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![Black and white photo of Herbert Hoover fly-fishing in a river. Black and white photo of Herbert Hoover fly-fishing in a river.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090508024645im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/HEHO_hoover_fishing_130x65.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Herbert Hoover was an avid fisherman. He'd often don a jacket, tie, and hat along with his waders and gear while fly-fishing. "All men are equal before fish," he wrote.
more...
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Last Updated: December 29, 2008 at 12:12 EST |