Michael Wilson, Artist - Bison, Bison, Bison - Photo Credit: USFWS

Enjoying the Concert - Photo Credit: USFWS

Wine tasting at the Heritage Property - Photo Credit: USFWS

Concert on the Prairie included an evening concert performed by the Des Moines Community Orchestra; a special opening preview of the art exhibit Bison, Bison, Bison; and star gazing with the Des Moines Astronomical Society. In addition, wine tasting and tours of the Heritage Addition property were conducted in partnership with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The event was a celebration of music, art and nature.

The Des Moines Community Orchestra performed a one-hour, outdoor concert at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Attendees relaxed, ate, and listened to beautiful strains of music while enjoying the view of the bison herd roaming across the tallgrass prairie.

It began with a wine tasting and tour at the Heritage property, owned by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The concert began with a few words from former Congressman Neal Smith, as he welcomed the public to the place named for him. More than 100 people attended the first time event and the Friends received much praise for the evening. Artist Michael Wilson, was on hand to sign the limited edition copies of art cards given to each attendee and to discuss his paintings that depicted the Neal Smith bison herd through the seasons.