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Iowa
Kaufmann Avenue Prairie
Why You Should Visit
Kaufmann Prairie features rugged, rocky ridgetops with an expanse of native hill prairie.
Location
Dubuque
Size
9.3 acres
Conditions
Kauffman is a "goat" or hill prairie, which occurs on steep, thin soils with a south-southwest exposure. The best examples occur here in northeast Iowa’s Paleozoic Plateau, but similar prairie can be found in other parts of the state. "Goat" prairie refers to the steepness of the slopes, on which only goats could be expected to graze.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The purchase of Kaufmann Avenue Prairie from the William Connery Estate was made possible by a donation from Dr. John Brennan, who was instrumental in helping to protect this site. The nearby quarry is reported to have been used for hibernation by the state-endangered Indiana bat.
Things To Do
What to See: Plants
This high-quality prairie features spectacular displays of bird’s-foot violet in the spring, also contains a good population of the Great Plains ladies’-tresses orchid and lead plants, traditional prairie plants and shooting stars.
What to See: Animals
Birds at the preserve include the catbird, cardinal, brown thrasher and American robin.
Plan Your Visit
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
Directions
From Central Avenue in Dubuque, travel west two blocks on Kauffman Avenue
- Turn right (north) on Valeria and follow the street northwest to a quarry (on the right side of the street) which marks the south end of the prairie.
- Guests should meet at the quarry and then carpool to an easier access point.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
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