Prairie Seed Harvest and Fall Walk at Snyder Heritage Farm

For the last thirty years, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has helped transition the 154-acre Synder Farm in Elkhart, Iowa back from a traditional farm to a prairie and oak savannah. Several times a year, they host free events which are family-friendly. This fall they have two events scheduled: a fall foliage hike and a prairie seed harvest.

Location: Snyder Heritage Farm, 11700 NE 64th St. Elkhart, IA

Dates / Events:

Prairie Seed Harvest: Saturday, Sept 23, 2023 9:30am to 12:00pm

Fall Foliage Walk: Thursday, Oct 19th, 2023 5pm to 6:30pm

Reservation required: Yes.

Reservation for the prairie seed harvest: http://www.inhf.org/register/snyder-heritage-farm-seed-harvest-9-23

Reservations for the fall foliage hike: https://www.inhf.org/register/fall-foliage-hike-at-snyder-heritage-farm-2023/

Cost: FREE Adults and children are welcome.

What happens during the prairie seed harvest?

You’ll spend the morning exploring the prairie and learning how to harvest native seeds. These seeds are used by the INHF to support the development of additional prairie areas. Families are welcome to attend. Following the harvest, you’re welcome to explore the farms prairie and woodland areas.

What happens during the fall foliage walk?

The fall foliage hike happens on Thursday, Oct 19th from 5pm to 6:30pm. Reservations are required, but the cost is free. The hike is led by INHF Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director Ryan Schmidt. He’ll guide you through the history of the Snyder Farm and how the INHF is transitioning it back to its natural habitat. During our walk, we’ll pass through prairies and oak savannahs. We’ll point out native as well as invasive species, as well as animals that we’ll encounter.