UNI roadside program enhances Iowa's beauty

The native prairie and wildflowers you see along many of Iowa's roadways were planted thanks to Federal Highway Administration grants secured by the University of Northern Iowa. During the past 15 years, UNI's Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program has distributed $3.7 million worth of native grass and wildflower seed to 80 of Iowa's 99 counties.  That's enough seed to restore native prairie along 20 percent of Iowa's county roadsides

This summer, UNI distributed more than 12,000 pounds of seed to 34 Iowa counties, enough to plant 1,140 acres. These plantings filter water runoff, provide habitat for pollinators and songbirds, improve erosion and weed control, and retain rolling and skipping snow during winter months, thereby reducing the possibilities of roadway icing.

This fall, UNI's Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program will host the 27th Annual Roadside Conference for anyone interested in learning more about native vegetation in roadside ditches. The conference is Sept. 19-20, at King's Point Resort in Storm Lake, Iowa. Call 319-273-3856 for registration information.

Upcoming Events

Check out the new, interactive UNI booth in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18. President Ruud will be at the booth to visit with fairgoers, alumni, prospective students and their families from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10.