| About the Farm A part of the half-section of land belonging to the Cosgrove Farm in Northwest Iowa near Cherokee includes 19 acres of prairie ground that has never been turned or grazed by domestic animals. So it is native or original prairie since it has never been plowed. The Cosgrove farm is classified by the State of Iowa as a Century Farm – it has been in the same family for well over 100 years. My Grandfather – who at one time worked on the railroad, bought the farm from the Iowa Falls & Sioux City Railroad Company in 1880. Some of his offspring who were farmers expressed a belief that the stagecoach line at one time ran through part of the property.The Cosgrove family has worked over the years to maintain that habitat and keep it in prime condition to serve as a habitat for both native plant species and wildlife. Donations Appreciated Although partially offset by a grant, the costs for preserving the prairie are increasing and the recent 5-year management costs are substantial. Expenditures are for: 1) selective burns, 2) seed collection/interseeding, 3) weed control, 4) fence repair, 5) a gate and 6) donations to various groups that assist in the management such as the local volunteer fire department and Pheasants Forever. The 19 acres is not near other prairie land, which prevents any sharing of necessary insects. This means that management of the original habitat is more difficult. In addition the property is surrounded by non-native grasses and cropland which attempt to invade and thin the native species. Surrounding cropland is primarily corn and soybeans. Non-native brome grass is immediately adjacent to the prairie on each of the four sides. Take Action Now Mike Cosgrove is providing an opportunity for my prairie friends who want to share the costs of maintaining this prairie to help preserve this native environment to submit your contribution, which is not tax deductible, to: Cosgrove Farm c/o Stalcup Ag Service 910 Flindt Drive Storm Lake, IA 50588 Stalcup Ag Services manages the Cosgrove Century farm and provides complete farm management services including management, real estate, and appraisal needs of farm owners. I will email you a certificate in which the Cosgrove Prairie and the general environment thank you for your contribution. Mike Cosgrove is the only family member accepting donations. | .... | ........................... |