CASE STUDY: A will to protect

Saddened to see the natural areas of his youth converted to development, a Johnson County native and his wife purchased a farm outside Iowa City. At first the couple—who choose to remain anonymous—continued farming much of the land. Then they visited a private prairie restoration and were inspired to try it themselves. But how to start?

“I had lots of plans but no methods,” the owner recalls. He contacted the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and got advice from Land Stewardship Director Joe McGovern.

The results have exceeded the owner’s expectations: “Over the years, Joe has guided me in planting and nurturing a prairie reconstruction,” he notes. “Now almost six years old, the prairie is becoming a mature wonder of beauty and abundance for humans, pets, birds and wild animals—as well as a storehouse of food for insects.”

After so much emotional and financial investment, the couple explored long-term land protection. “My wife and I hope this restored parcel of land will continue to thrive into the far future. But how can we be sure that will happen? Once again we gladly rely on INHF to protect and nurture this natural heritage.”

The couple has bequeathed their land and an endowment fund to INHF in order to support its future management.