As much as we try to change our planet — in good ways and in bad — it has a way of resorting back to what it wants to be. And it doesn’t take long.

Iowa was once a land of 80% prairie, the largest in the nation. Today, less than .1% of that original prairie remains, and it exists in small pockets across the state.

When I was in sixth grade, my class took a trip to a place called Stinson Prairie, 32 acres of unbroken native prairie located about 5 miles southwest of Algona in Kossuth County. It looked like a bunch of weeds to most of us 12-year-olds, but it offered a glimpse into the past to see what this entire region once looked like, and our teachers wanted us to experience it.

I am reminded of our prairie roots lately as I see what has happened to abandoned properties in our cities and our towns. Within just a few months, the grass and weeds have grown several feet, overtaking what was once well-manicured lawns, flowerbeds and even parking lots. Of course, most every city or town has codes to penalize those who allow this to happen, but they seem to be rarely enforced — or the process takes so long that any progress is at a standstill.

What’s the harm, you may ask. Well, if you are a residential or commercial property owner near these abandoned or unattended sites, you know the answer, especially if you are trying to lease or sell. Most people don’t want to locate near dilapidated properties, as they know it will impact their investment as well. This is why the city codes exist and why they should be enforced without exception.

I am convinced that some folks are just ornery about lawn care. They may not care what their lawns (or more appropriately, their weeds) look like, but they simply want to irritate their neighbors. They do a great job at this.

Some people say they don’t have time to maintain their lawns. The last time I checked, we all have the same 24 hours in a day, so it’s not about time but rather about priorities. Ever notice how many of these same folks seem to somehow find time to post on social media dozens of times every day?

Some of the weed-promoters are transplants from foreign countries who don’t understand the fuss we make in America about mowing and trimming. Fair enough, but if I chose to live in a desert, I would make efforts to make sure my sand looked as good as the others around me.

Meanwhile, another option exists for those who choose not to take care of their properties that could please most everyone. They can move to the country where they can let the natural prairie land return.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

POLITICAL MERCURY
Iowa combat veteran, former ag official ‘ready to serve’ again — this time in Congress

By Douglas Burns

After the rains, or in the routines of daily life, in one of the more war-ravaged reaches of the globe, residents would spot the signs of unexploded munitions, mortars and other devices of death.

The Army National Guard’s combat engineers would scout and remove rocket rounds and similar weapons for force protection in and around Kandahar, Afghanistan. This was now-Iowa congressional candidate Lanon Baccam’s role as a corporal in the Guard during a 2004-2005 deployment that lasted 366 days.

[...]

CITYVIEW's seasonal guide for activities and things to do in Central Iowa

EXPLORE: Classic Eats

By Cyote Williams

Each of these restaurants has been operating in central Iowa for at least 30 years, and many of them much longer. Their flavors have been satisfying generations of Des Moines metro mouths.

“Young Woman and the Sea” (still in theaters)
This is one of the better movies that you likely did not see this year. It opened over a month ago, and it is still in theaters, if that tells you something. (It should.) The film is based on a true story about a young girl in NYC in 1914 who develops a love for swimming at a time when girls weren’t encouraged or allowed to swim. When she decides to swim the English Channel, people think she is crazy. This is truly wonderful movie — well-acted, well-told and a great story of empowerment and determination. Grade: A

By Michael C. Woody. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. You can follow him on Twitter @MrMovieDSM. 

All aces
Johnston resident has tennis court named after him.

By Darren Tromblay

When Dennis Price and his family moved from Denison to Fort Dodge when he was but a wide-eyed fourth grader, he had the usual early struggle of being the new kid on the block. He knew no one, and no one knew him.
Time would solve that problem, and his mother knew it. But, for the time being, she knew Dennis would need to be kept busy while the seeds of those new relationships were being planted.

So, one day, out of the blue, she announced to her young son, “We’re going to go play tennis.”

[...]

These celebrities were born on this date:  Mavis Staples, Arlo Guthrie, Béla Fleck, Fiona Shaw, Mason Thames, Sofía Vergara, Isabela Merced, Jessica Simpson, Antonio Brown, Phyllis Smith

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why do tennis players never change a lightbulb? BECAUSE THEY WON'T ADMIT IT'S OUT! - Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post. Or, Because they might "smash" it! - Carolyn Rogers

Today's riddle

Why do bees have sticky hair?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Indianola, Urbandale or Clive Living magazines, contact:

Gina Chandler
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 323
Mobile: 641-750-6485
gina@iowalivingmagazines.com

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