A service road runs north-south along the west border of this unit and provides easy walking access.  This grassland restoration is in the floodplain and so has varying levels of water depending on the year and varying vegetation structure and composition depending on how recently it has been subject to management activities (prescribed fire, prescribed grazing, haying/mowing).  Generally, this area is loaded with common grassland species like Dickcissel and Eastern Meadowlark, with lesser numbers of things like Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Upland Sandpiper.  During prescribed fires, migrant Swainson's Hawks regularly are attracted by the smoke.  Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers use this area as well.

This is a grassland spot where expected grassland species are generally easy to find.

This management unit sits south of the campground area and north of NE 118th Avenue.  

Criteria 1. Endangered species: Northern harrier regularly seen during Spring and Fall migrations, short-eared owl observed on the refuge during migration and winter. Threatened species: Henslow's sparrows have been seen and heard singing regularly during the past several summers. Criteria 2. HIgh Conservation Priority. Loggerhead shrike, grasshoppper sparrow, and bobolink have all been observed by me either on the refuge or directly adjacent to refuge property during the last two breeding seasons. Grasshopper sparrow and bobolink have been recorded on breeding season points on the refuge during at least the last two years. Criteria 3. Neal Smith NWR supports one of the largest expanses of tallgrass prairie habitat in Iowa and provides vital breeding habitat for grassland songbirds including both eastern and western meadowlarks, grasshopper and vesper sparrows, bobolink, dickcissel, and sedge wren. Upland sandpipers have also been seen in the area. Criteria 5. As a national wildlife refuge, Neal Smith NWR is a natural site for long term research and montoring. In addition to the potential for monitoring and research, the mission of the refuge is to provide for education about the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.