Check out these two native prairies east and southeast of Cherokee. The best time to visit is late spring and early summer to see a wide variety of prairie flowers in bloom. You will enjoy seeing and hearing many grassland nesting birds like the Meadowlark, Song Sparrow, Bobolink, Dickcissel and Field sparrow.

Prairie History

Each area bears the name of the previous owner, descended from the local homesteading families that protected these areas from cultivation.

Location Description

These small mesic to wet prairies have excellent diversity including cream wild indigo which is not common locally. Current management practices include brush removal and controlled burning, so that plant and wildlife diversity is constantly changing and hopefully improving.

Driving Directions and other Information

• Prescott Prairie is located 6 miles east of Cherokee on Hwy 3 and Stiles Preserve is ½ mile south of Aurelia on M 21 (8 miles SE of Cherokee).
• Prescott Prairie - 2329 Hwy 3 East - 6 acres, Cherokee County Conservation Board
• GPS location N 42 44.924 W 095 25.269
• Nestor Stiles State Preserve- 9.5 acres, Iowa DNR
• GPS location N _________ W 094 _________
• Hiking, Birding, Prairie Plants, (Hunting on Prescott Prairie ONLY)