Reviving Iowa’s Pristine Prairie Beauty

(SBA) - Back in 1905, when Henry J. Cuddeback acquired his family farm near Washington, Iowa, the landscape was already transformed with crop fields and pastures. Yet, long before settlers arrived, the land thrived with expansive tall grass prairies and vibrant wildflowers. Over the generations, the Cuddeback family witnessed significant changes surrounding their farm, including the gradual loss of Iowa's native beauty.

Jim Cuddeback, Henry's great-grandson, developed a deep passion for preserving native prairie grasses and wildflowers during his time at the University of Northern Iowa. Little did he know, he was on the brink of joining a movement aimed at restoring Iowa's prairie legacy along roadsides throughout the state.

In 1989, Jim tapped into a program called "Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management," funded through the Living Roadway Trust Fund. This initiative allows the Iowa Department of Transportation to grant funds for the restoration of native plantings along roadsides, to help reduce erosion, filter water runoff, and enhance safety across Iowa's highways and sparked a mission to educate the public about the importance of managing roadside vegetation sustainably.

Jim recounted his journey of gaining approval from the County Board of Supervisors to plant native seeds purchased through a grant. His efforts bore fruit, leading to the establishment of more than 150 acres of native plantings across three farms.

Jim's success story mirrors that of many landowners, engineers, conservation boards, and farmers across Iowa.

Why did Iowa's roadside prairies vanish in the first place?

The use of inexpensive non-native plants during road construction seemed adequate for many years. However, by the 1980s, issues like roadside erosion and water quality were creating safety concerns. Recognizing the need for change, the Iowa DOT's roadside development group advocated for a need to use native prairie plantings who’s deep roots helped stabilize soil, curb erosion, and enhance water filtration.

Today, Iowa’s DOT-managed roadsides blossom with a diverse array of native species like coneflowers, penstemons, and blazing stars. These native landscapes offer not just visual appeal but also economic, environmental, and educational benefit such as:

• Providing low-maintenance weed and erosion control.
• Slowing surface water runoff and the ability for water to absorb back into the ground
• Filtering and capture of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment.
• Reducing blowing and drifting snow and winter glare.
• Increasing the number of species who live along the roadways
• Enhancing wildlife habitat.
• Providing ever-changing color and texture throughout the year.
• Preserving our natural heritage

Since 1990, the Iowa DOT has planted or enhanced more than 50,000 acres of roadsides with native grasses and wildflowers and has served as a national leader in roadside restoration efforts.

To learn more about Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management and the benefits of Iowa's roadside prairies, visit https://iowadot.gov/lrtf/integrated-roadside-vegetation-management/irvm.