Participants will see the bulrushes and much more at the celebration and dedication of the new Anglers Bay wildlife area to be held on Saturday morning, Aug. 2.

The Anglers Bay project protects the largest remaining natural shore at the Iowa Great Lakes, with two-thirds of a mile of shoreline on Big Spirit Lake.

Its extensive bulrushes and healthy aquatic ecosystem sparked the protection effort. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) led this $6.67 million project, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which will own and manage the site into the future.

Celebration plans include activities for all ages, such as guided pontoon rides along the bulrushes. Participants will also have opportunities to view the birds and aquatic life with naturalists, to learn about the prairie/wetland restoration process and to share stories about how people have interacted with nature at the Lakes over the generations.

"All are invited to experience this place up-close with people who can help you learn and appreciate it even more," said Mark Ackelson, president of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. "We hope that many who gave to protect this place will be able to enjoy one another as well as the land at this celebration."

More than 1,000 donors contributed to this project. Former owners Don and Nancy Yarnes and other major donors will be recognized, along with state legislators who approved major public funding for the project.

Restoration of the 93-acre site is beginning and will continue for several years to establish wetlands, prairie and a portion of the trail that will encircle Big Spirit Lake.

Those driving by the site may notice that the IDNR recently held a prescribed burn on the site to clear invasive brush and stimulate existing native prairie plants. Heavy equipment will soon be on site to restore three wetlands. About 15 acres around the largest wetland will be planted with a diverse prairie seed mix. The former hayfield and part of the original crop field will be farmed this year to help prepare the ground for prairie restoration in Fall 2008. A fence and shrubs will establish the north boundary of the public property.

Volunteers will be invited to help clean up the shoreline later in the year. Clearing of the former building site has begun and will continue this spring.

Several large bur oak trees will be planted on the site. Bur oaks are a natural part of the prairie, wetland and shoreline ecosystem that's being restored. Mature hackberries will remain, but some trees, such a box elder, cottonwood and ash, are being removed because their seed can interfere with the prairie/wetland restoration.

"We want the Anglers Bay site to be the shoreline spot where people will see and enjoy what the Lakes region once was-as natural as possible, with abundant wildlife, a healthy shoreline ecosystem, and serenity," said Marion Conover, Fisheries Bureau Chief at the Iowa DNR. "The restoration will be a work in progress for a while, and we ask for people's patience and interest as they watch this site return to nature. The ability for people to enjoy the area will increase in the coming years and continue for generations."