INHF's role in Iowa trails

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The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has been involved in Iowa trail projects since the early 1980s. Amidst some fear that trails would increase crime and lower property values, some INHF staff even received death threats during those first trail projects.

Since then, INHF has been involved in 80% of Iowa's rail-trail projects. We've assisted corridor acquisition, development or planning of over 500 miles of multi-use recreation trails around the state. We've also helped trail managers raise more than $14 million in public and private funds to support trail construction and development.

Meanwhile, INHF is one of the state's leading trail promoters. Since 1992 we've published four editions of Iowa by Trail (an 88-page guide to Iowa's trails) with financial assistance from IDOT and corporate donors. We provide free trail lists and continually improve our online trail materials.

Trails have been among our most demanding and controversial projects--yet they've proven to be an exceptionally popular way for Iowans to experience nature, preserve our railroad heritage and protect some of the last remaining prairie remnants and wildlife habitat.

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