Ankeny-Woodward Trail
Help us cross the last bridge!

This item was posted in July 2008.

A 1/2-mile long, 130-foot tall bridge spanning the Des Moines River valley highlights the trail between Woodward and Madrid. Though the original railroad bridge piers remain, new decking must be installed. See conceptual model of finished bridge.

We're raising funds to cap off the $14. 7 million, 25-mile Ankeny-Woodward Trail—and we need your help! To qualify for matching grant funds, we must raise $550,000 before Nov. 6, 2008!

Let's Make This Iowa's Premier Destination Trail

Stunning 1/2-mile bridge rising 130 feet over the scenic Des Moines River valley
Critical segment of two 100-mile trail loops planned for Central Iowa Trail Network
Connects to Heart of Iowa Trail, Neal Smith Trail & 4 Mile Creek Trail
Links the communities of Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, and Woodward (see map) and Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas counties
Easily accessible to nearly 1 million people with the potential of enhancing both individual and community wellness and quality of life

The Opportunity at Hand
With recent approval of a $1.75 million Vision Iowa grant, trail partners have acquired nearly all of the funds needed for this $14.7 million project! To receive our Vision Iowa grant, we must raise $550,000 (in gifts or pledges) by Nov. 6, 2008. We'll be raising an additional $450,000 by July 2009 to in hopes of completing the entire trail by 2010.

Many thanks to the strong partnership of 10 entities (the 5 trail communities, 4 trail counties and INHF) for taking the project this far. We’re now asking YOU—the people and businesses of Iowa—to help us finish the job!

How can I help?
Every gift to this trail is important! Please give or pledge today using one of the two methods below. If you contribute $25 or more to this trail, you’ll also receive full member benefits in the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for a year.

Donate Online	Donate or pledge by mail
Click above for our online gift form. Please check "Project Gift" in the "Type of Gift" section. Then type "Ankeny-Woodward Trail" when asked for the project name.	Click above for a mailable form. Send to: Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation 505 Fifth Ave., # 444 Des Moines, IA 50309-2321
For questions about donations, pledges or major donor recognition, contact Anita O’Gara, INHF Vice President and Director of Development by e-mail or at 800-475-1846, ext. 18.

Great links

Ankeny to Woodward Trail (official site)
Ankeny to Woodward Trail maps: small size or large size
Giant Trail Bridge in process: info & photos
Conceptual Models of Bridge
Central Iowa Trails home page
July 2008: Regional trail wins major challenge grant

Project history links

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

Ankeny-Woodward Trail Help us cross the last bridge!

Ankeny-Woodward Trail
Help us cross the last bridge!