Brown's Woods Forest Preserve
Polk County, Iowa
Brown's Woods Forest Preserve Plants and Wildlife
Bird Checklist for Thomson-Fulton Sand Prairie Nature Preserve.pdfIn the table below:
Click on the Plant, Bird, Reptile and Amphibian, Insect and Arachnid, and Mammal tabs at the bottom of the table to scroll through the lists.
These lists are based on species identified during site visits and sightings submitted using the link in the sub-bullet point below. Submitted species are added to the table as time allows.
Click here if you would like to submit records of plants or wildlife you have seen at this location.
Bloom periods are based on those provided by the Illinois Plants Database.
About Brown's Woods Forest Preserve
This 484 acre forest preserve lies south of the Raccoon River on the southwest side of Des Moines, Iowa. Spring wildflowers are abundant in this mature oak-hickory forest and this is a prime location for bird watching within the metro area. Honeysuckle invasion is threatening the health of this preserve. Brush management and prescribed fire during the dormant season are being used to improve ecological condition within the preserve. Oak Savanna restoration is also occurring in the southeast corner of the preserve.
Amenities
Off road parking, a port-a-potty, and maintained trails are available within the preserve. The trails wind through hilly terrain and include signage associated with a mobile phone tour of the preserve.
Interesting literature
Iowa's County Conservation System Guide to Outdoor Recreation