INHF 25th Anniversary Event #5
Whitham Woods
Wildflower and Bird Hike

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Experience blooming woodland wildflowers and colorful songbirds with guided bird and wildflower hikes through the beautiful Whitham Woods, INHF's first completed project.

Photo by Dan Buttery

Event details
Early May is the peak season for many woodland wildflowers and songbird migration, and this event gives bird and flower lovers a chance to spend the morning outdoors, observing their favorite species.

Bird hikers will learn about and look for our feathered friends, including a variety of migrating songbirds. Each spring they return, with the first two weeks in May being peak migration time. Some will stay to breed in this area, others will continue farther north and will be seen here for just a short time. All will be in colorful breeding plumage and most are in song. Wildflower hikers will look for blooming spring flowers, like spring beauties, bloodroot and trilliums.

The morning begins at 8 a.m. with bird lovers following local ornithologist Diane Porter. At 9:30 a.m., naturalist Therese Cummiskey will lead flower enthusiasts on the wildflower hike. Hikers are welcome to participate in both activities. Both hikes will be easy-going and on trails, although there is a lot of standing involved as there are few benches along the trails. Be sure to wear long pants and good walking/hiking shoes for this event.

The story behind this place
Daisy Iowa Whitham wanted to ensure that the woodland and nursery her family owned for the last 120 years would remain natural forever, since it was not being passed along within the family. In 1980, she asked the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to be her "eyes into the future"--then donated the130 acres to INHF to be used as a plant and wildlife refuge. Whitham Woods was INHF's first completed project!

To carry out her wishes, INHF has a 99-year lease/management agreement on the property with the Jefferson County Conservation Board (JCCB). The JCCB develops, maintains and cares for the property as a public use area and for study and passive recreation, while INHF ensures JCCB's work complies with Daisy's intentions.

The 130-acre Whitham Woods is the original site of the Whitham Fairfield Nursery, created in 1889 by Daisy's parents. Many of the original nursery plants have grown to maturity, creating an interesting variety of trees and plants. Over 111 different species of trees can be found there, including conifers, oak and hickory. It also provides valuable habitat for songbirds, deer and small animals.

Partner Information
Since its inception in 1972, the Jefferson County Conservation Board has established 11 public nature areas encompassing 1,155 acres. JCCB manages three campgrounds, five public hunting areas, three river accesses, and 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Its outdoor education program reaches approximately 4,000 kids and adults each year.
jeffersonccb@lisco.com

Site Map
N/A

Driving Directions
Whitham Woods is located a half mile west of Fairfield on Hwy 34.

Visitor Info
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
(641) 472-2111
bphipps@fairfieldiowa.com

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