Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Ankeny-Woodward Trail

Most of the funding has been committed to complete a 24-mile trail between Ankeny and Woodward, connecting through Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid. The highlight of this trail will be a half-mile-long bridge over the scenic Des Moines River valley.

This conversion of a former railroad corridor will help complete a loop on the Central Iowa Trails system, connecting with the Heart of Iowa Trail and the larger metro system. Construction of the trail has begun and will proceed full-force through 2008.

This former rail right-of-way crosses four counties (Polk, Dallas, Story, Boone) and connects five communities. Because Union Pacific preferred to deal with only one purchaser, INHF took on this critical role–purchasing the corridor, then transferring ownership in segments to the four county conservation boards and five cities involved.

Gifts from individuals, businesses and foundations are needed to match the significant public grant funding that's committed to the project. Major donors to this trail will be recognized at major trailheads. Gifts can be directed to the trail through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

This is a $11.4 million project with $1.7 million left to be raised in private funding.

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