Private Land Walks are my favorite way to engage property owners. They are diverse and can be suited to fit the landowners desire for knowledge. They range from a general interpretive hike for new land owners, to targeting specific culinary mushrooms for the seasoned outdoors person.
Course Description:
Explore your own property with me, and we can have a conversation about the land. Discuss management needs, unique features, and learn to identify and/or use a wide array of plants and mushrooms.
Land walks are diverse in nature and suited to the needs of each landowner. Themes include:
- Interpretive hike- Learn about the history of your property through observing the plant/animal/fungal communities and studying historic maps. Identify special plant communities, unique features, and ways to manage for biodiversity.
- Identification- Spend directed time learning plant and mushroom species on your property, creating species lists, and the basics of plant and mushroom anatomy.
- Bulk foraging- Target specific species and forage for the pantry. Learn methods of preserving your harvest. Build drying racks and process food for later use.
- Forage and Feed- Walk your property with the intention of creating a meal highlighting foraged food.
- Edible mushrooms- Just like it says, cover ground and search for edible species. The mushroom season in Iowa is year round if you know what to look for.
Typical land walks start with a conversation about your property. We can look through historic maps to study land use changes, target specific areas to explore, and discuss personal goals related to the private walk. Landowners will receive via email a species list of plants and mushrooms encountered (that are rare or of specific interest), as well as a summary of my interpretation of the land. Included in this report will be any recommendations for management.
Learning Objectives
- Variable based on landowner requests
Gomphus sp. mushroom 
Chicken of the Woods, and edible species 
Tent caterpillars 
Imperial moth 
Wild American ginseng 
Chicken of the woods 
Whitetail fawn 
A really upset beetle 
Chanterelles 
The guardian of the black cherries
Details
Overview:
This course is a great for all landowners looking for a fresh set of eyes on their property. It can be scheduled anytime during the year.
Location:
Your land
Duration:
Private Land Walks are variable in length but usually last between 3-4 hours.
Fee:
The fee for a Private Land Walk is variable based on the needs of the landowner, and starts at 100$. For landowners desiring detailed management recommendations, complete lists of all identifiable species, and other time intensive practices, fees will increase. An additional fee may be required for travel outside of Ames and will align with state standards. Inquire for a quote.
***Prices listed are a guideline for organizations and private persons looking to book an event. Many organizations have their own pricing structures, and these organizations are encouraged to follow their own business model. This fee is available on a sliding scale for persons unable to afford it. Please contact me for more information.