The University of Northern Iowa Prairie Preserve Trails are the hidden gem of Cedar Falls, Iowa. The prairie trails consist of three unique ecosystems which include the Daryl Smith Prairie Preserve, Tallgrass Trails, and Wetland Trails. The UNI prairie trails are close to campus, but allow you to be immersed in nature and transported into a new secret world. These trails are just one thing that makes the campus unique and allows many different opportunities such as outdoor classrooms, hiking, and relaxation. 

There is a long history that comes with these trails. Back in the 1970s, biology faculty all over the state were starting to realize that Iowa had become mostly corn and soybeans when it used to be made up mostly of prairie land. They started to wonder if it was possible to plant prairies themselves, even now that the land was tilled up. They began to purchase seed from companies in Nebraska and Kansas. The prairies started with only the grasses and then gradually transplanted in wildflowers and other rare species that were in Iowa’s original prairies. Along with the diversified grasses and wildflowers, it brought new insects and birds to the land as well. 

The prairies that are around the University of Northern Iowa came about when the UNI Biological Preserves Committee was formed and acquired land for the prairies. This committee handles the trails, questions about the trails, maintenance, prairie burns, and many more responsibilities. 

Laura Jackson is currently the chair of the Biological Preserves Committee and the preserve’s manager. She explained that in the 1970s the prairies had a fence around them. You could not go into the prairies without a permit and they were only for special research and classes. It was off-limits to the public only allowing people to go in the public demonstration area in the front. 

The fenced-off prairie rule changed 15 years ago. Jackson explained, “In 2008, we said let’s open this up. Let’s take those signs down and run some trails through here and get people more involved, and that’s when it all started.” This allowed not only researchers to access the prairies but also more classes and the general public. 

Kathleen Scholl is a Professor in outdoor education and recreation at the University of Northern Iowa. She worked with the preserves committee and former landscape architect and established the Upland Forest trail and (what is informally called) the Panther Ponds Wetlands trail.

Scholl received a grant from Black Hawk County to put a deck on the panther pond for all to enjoy. She explains that the deck sparks people’s curiosity so they “wonder what’s out there, and will go check it out.” This makes the space more usable. 

The Panther Pond is shared between the city and the university in what is called a 28 E Agreement. This is because the university owns the property that is along the creek, and then across from it is city property. By having this agreement it allows UNI to use the pond for canoeing and classroom activities, while still allowing the city to use it for flood control. 

Vanessa Naranjo is a student at Hawkeye Community College but lives in Cedar Falls. Her experience with the prairie trails has been tranquil and good for her mental and physical well-being. 

She discovered the trails with her boyfriend as they were going out for a jog. They ended up exploring around the UNI-Dome and followed the path down to the pond. “It kind of feels like you’re entering a completely different world,” said Naranjo. “You’re surrounded by trees and prairie and it’s hidden but there’s still a clear path that is maintained.” 

Naranjo then explained how she doesn’t think a lot of students know about them. “I feel like they’re hidden treasures waiting to be found. They are a great escape from life moving around you and you can just go there and relax.”

Jackson emphasizes that the trails are “for everyone, so come out and enjoy it.”

One important thing to remember if you decide to go out on the prairie trails is that you must stay on foot. The trail maintenance doesn’t have enough capacity to maintain trails for heavy bike traffic. Also, dogs must be on a leash and be picked up after. 

The University of Northern Iowa Prairie Preserve trails were put in place to not only preserve Iowa’s beautiful and diverse prairie ecosystem but to be enjoyed by the public and students. UNI trials are open from dawn to dusk, with many expansive trails for those in the Cedar Valley to traverse.