Indian Creek to celebrate
conservation easement

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released by Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids, (September '00)

The Indian Creek Nature center invites anyone to celebrate the long-term protection of the former Bena Farm as open space.

An event marking the establishment of a conservation easement on the 67 acres will be held on Sunday, October 8 at 2 p.m. It is free and open to anyone and will include historical photos of the land, a walking tour, and a tree planting.

Thanks to donations from hundreds of individuals, businesses, and foundations the Nature Center purchased the 67-acre farm in 1995 from the Bena family. Since then, over 7,377 people have volunteered to remove fences and debris, plant prairies and forests, and build trails on the land. It is privately owned and remains on the property tax role. It is open to the public for free use.

"The conservation easement legally protects the land from development forever," said Nature Center Board member Mark Ogden. "Although the Nature Center has no intention of ever doing anything but manage the land for natural beauty, wildlife and people, the easement guarantees that will happen in the future."

Much open space near Cedar Rapids has been developed into housing, stores, and roads. The Nature Center believes that the protection of natural areas and open space enhances our quality of life and has devoted much effort to acquiring and protecting land.

The conservation easement on the former Bena Farm is a cooperative effort between the Nature Center and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, which will enforce the easement. The easement process was funded by a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

The easement celebration will begin at the wetland, located off Otis Road about a half mile west of the Nature Center barn.

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