Thanks for everything,
love, Mason

This article first appeared in INHF's Summer 2006 magazine.

Mason, age 5

I bet you are surprised to see my picture here, huh? My name is Mason, and my grandpa (“papa”) is Mark Ackelson, the President of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.  He usually writes this column and I always like seeing his picture when my mom and dad get their magazine in the mail. I like “reading” the pictures. 

Papa and I play outside a lot. I like playing in the woods, ponds and puddles…and fishing, swimming in the lake with my life jacket, riding my bike (and even wearing my helmet to keep me safe) and playing with my dogs (and sometimes even my little sister, Kamden).

Bugs and snakes are my favorite. I am too young to understand all of the special words for where they live and what they eat, but guess what? I’m starting to learn some of the plants and how they grow and help the animals.

I think nature is really cool. My mom takes me and Kamden for long walks in the park every day. It is good for her and us. Sometimes Nana (grandma) goes too. I go fishing with my dad. But mostly, I just like playing outside on my own.

Thank you for working with my papa and the people he works with at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. They help make Iowa a special place for me, Kamden, my family and friends.

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