The public is invited to a free guided prairie hike at the Iron Horse Prairie Scientific and Natural Area near Hayfield at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The two-hour hike will explore one of the few remaining mesic tallgrass prairie remnants in eastern Minnesota. The 35-acre prairie is located between two railroad spurs that inadvertently protected the piece from being farmed.

It also offers a high level of species diversity with the late summer showcasing big bluestem, Indian grass, prairie cordgrass, and bluejoint, along with forbs such as wild quinine, blazing stars and sunflowers. Hikers are encouraged to bring a camera, field guide, sketch book and binoculars to capture the species that make up this tallgrass prairie.

The hike will be an easy walk across 1.5 to 2 miles of uneven terrain, but there are no maintained trails at the SNA. Visitors should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the terrain and weather. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. There are no restrooms or drinking water on the site.

For more information, contact Veronika Phillips at 952-454-8428 or vphillips.habitat@gmail.com. Visitwww.mndnr.gov/snas/sna01018 for more information on Iron Horse Prairie SNA.