For those of you who live in central Iowa the Neal Smith Refuge just west of Prairie City is really pretty right now. The big bluestem is starting to turn red and the fall asters and goldenrod are all jumbled in. Beautiful. The world's Master Gardener has given us a treat and inspiration for our own little corners. I believe its highway 146. You turn off to the south/west just west out of town and wind your way a few miles to the information center. road's paved. free will donation. They have a small buffalo herd and some nice educational displays. It opened in 1996 so the restored prairie is coming into its own now. This is a favorite of my kids, 10,7 & 5. Maria
