NWTF's Energy for Wildlife and Alliant Energy work to improve habitat at Indian Creek Nature Center
The NWTF, in partnership with Alliant Energy and Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is expanding wildlife habitat under the power lines at the Nature Center.
Usually, solid stands of exotic and undesirable grasses develop under the power lines. As part of the NWTF's Energy for Wildlife program, unused land in power and gas line rights-of-way are being planted to a variety of wildlife-friendly plant species, improving the habitat in the area.
"This will be of great benefit to a variety of wildlife," said Jean Wiedenheft, Indian Creek Nature Center land steward. "The current brome and reed canary grass stands are able to sustain very little. It's essentially a wasteland."
The grasses and wildflowers the NWTF and Alliant Energy are planting will provide valuable food and shelter for turkeys and other wildlife, as well as turning the energy right-of-way into a delightful spot for human visitors.
