Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Beloved

Jerry Kuehn has devoted 25 years of his “spare time” to the establishment and growth of Kuehn Conservation Area in Dallas County. Pictured from left are his sons (Lloyd and David), Jerry, and his wife, Jane.

Like the Native Americans whose former encampment sites dot the rolling landscape along the Raccoon River, Jerry Kuehn thinks this part of Dallas County is special.

Back in 1982, Jerry worked with Mark Ackelson and a young Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to help the Dallas County Conservation Board create a protection plan for the area. Kuehn sold 303 acres to the county at 40% of its value, helping establish a place where the public could share his enjoyment of the land.

For the next two decades, Jerry urged and worked for more protection of natural lands near this core. His “day job” was at the Iowa Attorney General’s office, but his consistent focus was on this special place.

The park doubled in size. It’s now one of Dallas County’s most popular areas used for camping, hiking, fishing and education; a popular canoe take-out spot; and the site of the annual “Prairie Awakening” Native American celebration.

But Jerry still owned land adjoining the park, and he wasn’t done yet. When his neighbor’s land was offered for sale, Jerry bought it to make sure the county had a chance to add both properties to the park. He then offered the ridge at one-third of its appraised value, and INHF secured a REAP Public/Private grant to cover the balance in 2007. Jerry’s sons, David and Lloyd, agreed with this use of the family’s land.

Is this 122-acre addition the culmination of Jerry’s vision? Don’t bet on it. As long as there’s natural land to be protected here, the Kuehn Conservation Area will be on Jerry’s mind and in his heart.