Iowa River Greenbelt is
"featured destination"

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The Iowa River Greenbelt through Hardin County-a picturesque landscape of valleys, woods and streams-is the newest "featured destination" on INHF's website.

Located in the "Explore Iowa" portion of the site, these web pages contain information and links on what makes the Iowa River Greenbelt so special, how to visit and how INHF members are helping to protect this special area.

Why it's special
The Iowa River in Hardin County winds its way northwest to southeast from Alden past Iowa Falls, Steamboat Rock, Eldora and Union. This area was named the "Iowa River Greenbelt" by the Hardin County Conservation Board (HCCB) in the 1950s. Thanks to efforts by HCCB, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa River Greenbelt Resource Trust (a volunteer subcommittee of INHF), the Greenbelt is now a recognized conservation area.

The Iowa River Greenbelt formed when the last major glacier receded from Iowa 14,000 years ago. The character of the river today ranges from a low, rock-lined channel near Alden to deep terraces along the sides of the valley near Steamboat Rock to a deep, gorge-like valley near Eldora.

Among the many creatures that make their homes in the Greenbelt are several rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species, including the Northern Wild Monkshood
plant, the bald eagle and three species of freshwater mussel.

What to do there
The area is accessible by traveling the Iowa River Greenbelt Scenic Drive, hiking one of the area's trails, canoeing the river or taking a narrated boat cruise. The Greenbelt offers a multitude of other recreational opportunities as well, including biking, boating, tubing, camping, fishing, bird watching, swimming, hunting and golfing. Maps of the Greenbelt and links to information on Greenbelt communities and recreation areas are included with the online feature.

INHF's role
Working with many public and private partners, INHF has helped acquire numerous sites in the Greenbelt, including an addition to Pine Lake State Park, Sands Spring Wildlife Area, Sandstone Palisades and several canoe and hiking accesses.
So visit the website-and then get out there and experience the beauty of the Iowa River and its natural attractions for yourself.

For more information, visit www.inhf.org/iowarivergreenbelt.htm


For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.