Iowa Conservationists

INHF has developed special web sections -- including background information, photos and links -- on some key Iowa conservationists. Look for future additions to this list.

Ada Hayden
An early Iowa conservationist and professor at Iowa State University, fought for prairie preservation. Through research, teaching, and a groundbreaking publication, Hayden left a lasting legacy that can be spotted in prairie preserves throughout the state.

John F. Lacey
A U.S. Congressman from southern Iowa in the early 1900s, sponsored the Lacey Bird Act, the Antiquities Act and other legislation that encouraged some folks to call him "the father of federal conservation legislation."

Gladys Black
An amateur birder from Marion County, gathered copious records about birds, led educational programs and wrote many articles -- and even a book -- about Iowa birds.

Ding Darling
Ding Darling was not only a long-time cartoonist for the Des Moines Register and other papers, but also one of Iowa's best-known conservationists. INHF is celebrating Ding's memory and conservation contributions with a new "Ding" section on our website and a new "Ding Darling Conservation Education Fund" to support Iowa environmental efforts in his honor.

Sylvan T. Runkel
Iowa naturalist specially known for his love of the Loess Hills where the Sylvan Runkel preserve now exists in his honor.