A new permanent display is now open that will educate, amaze, and instill curiosity within Garden guests on the importance of native root systems. A nine-foot-long preserved prairie root system was awarded to the Botanical Garden via a grant from the Tallgrass Prairie Center at University of Northern Iowa through the support of the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund!
The intertwined preserved roots of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and leadplant (Amorpha canescens) stretch from floor to ceiling in this specimen display in the north gallery, adding to the existing Iowa Prairies exhibit that features a three-dimensional landscape mural and handmade prairie plant replicas.
Be sure to visit the new display and learn more about the role of roots and the benefits they provide our ecosystem!
