Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Where the Sidewalk Ends

David S. Hartig, Jr., donated INHF's first conservation easement 26 years ago. His 2007 conservation easement nearly completes the protection he envisioned for the Catfish Creek valley in Dubuque.

Inside the Dubuque city limits and just upstream from the Mines of Spain State Conservation Area, you’ll find the Catfish Creek valley and its confluence with Swiss Valley Creek. The valley’s wooded bluffs, former lead mines and limestone outcroppings form a significant natural wildlife greenbelt within the city, complete with neotropical migratory songbirds.

Saving this valley has been David Hartig’s persistent goal since he first bought land there 40 years ago. He appreciates the open space it provides him and other Dubuque residents. He allows visitors to walk through and enjoy his land, and some have helped him plant trees there. He especially loves its highest point, where you can view forest for up to ten miles.

Back in 1981, David was the first Iowan to donate a conservation easement to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, protecting a portion of the land he owned. He donated three additional easements in the 1980s, long before this land protection method was fully “discovered” in Iowa. David has since purchased several linking pieces of the valley. His 2007 conservation easement brings his protected total to 110 acres.

David especially credits his father for his appreciation of the land. He says, “It begins when you’re young, especially when your parents encourage those values.”