NEW! The new High Trestle Trail between Ankeny and Woodward, is in the final stages of construction. The trail includes one of the largest trail bridges in the country, which towers 13 stories above the Des Moines River Valley. Partners working on the trail have set April 30, 2011, as the date for the trail’s grand opening, so here is a preview of the premier bridge and trail. Read the news release (7/16/10).
NEW! Read about Iowa trails in an interview with INHF's Anita O'gara featured in the online magazine, Midwest Weekends: An insider's guide to travel in the Upper Midwest. The story about bicycling in Iowa includes interesting highlights about where to ride and what to see. The online magazine is free and offers great information and travel tips.
NEW! The public is invited to comment on the draft plan for Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp in the Lake Red Rock Master Plan Supplement released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The draft plan also reclassifies adjacent Corps forest land for multiple use/low density recreation. Comments will be accepted through July 21. Find out more or download the plan draft (6/22/10). Note: the 22-page PDF is 2.5 MB.
The public is invited to help dedicate the new addition to the Fairview Wildlife Area in Sioux County on Wednesday, July 7, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The addition expands the existing site by 400 percent and includes several benefits for wildlife, as well as recreational oppurtunities for local residents. Read the news release (6/16/10).
The Warren County Conservation Board has acquired a 542-acre wetland area, with assistance from INHF. The property will provide habitat for diverse wildlife, as well as a variety of public uses, including hunting, fishing, nature study, wildlife viewing and hiking. The WCCB will hold a dedication ceremony July 17th that wiill feature a barbeque and guided wagon tours. Read the news release (6/14/10).
INHF helps Iowa DNR expand the Goose Lake Wetland Complex in Kossuth County. The 55-acre addition has benefits for local wildlife and residents of Kossuth County. Read the news release (6/10/10).
INHF helps Iowa DNR expand the DU Marsh in Clay County with the addition of a 50-acre expansion. The addition provides 20 acres of restored wetland, valuable upland nesting cover and improved water quality for the area. Read the news release (6/10/10).
Iowa State University student and native of Prairie City Tim Greene, recently joined the INHF team as the summer communications intern. Read the news release (6/7/2010).
A public open house near Decorah in June showcased land conservation along the Upper Iowa River. Read the news release (6/2/2010).
"Anna's Legacy: 80 wild acres," the story of a special gift of land made in memory of Anna Gardner by her father J H Gardner to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The story features Anna's close relationship with her husband Dave Marlow and their shared love of nature (Des Moines Register Sunday edition, 5/3/2010).
Community invited to celebrate the dedication of newly protected Hamilton County Land. The event will highlight the 200-acre site’s diversity and habitat, and thank previous owners, Paulette and Ed Reveiz, for their part in the land’s protection. A bird hike will begin at 7 a.m., followed by the dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. For more information and directions, read our news release. (4/10)
Earth Day Message
from INHF President Mark Ackelson.
INHF's first project ever in Chickasaw County adds 71 acres to the county conservation board headquarters. The site protects Wapsipinicon River water quality and expands recreational opportunities in the county. The CCB is already considering future plans to further expand the site. Learn more about the site and the project in our news release. (4/10)
Mitchell County adds 60 acres to a complex of protected land along the Wapsipinicon River. Bringing the total land protected there to 425 acres, the two additions boost the Wapsipinicon River Greenbelt and a local trail. The Mitchell County Conservation Board plans to return the parcels to their 1854 state as described in historical records. Read the news release. (4/10)
The second annual Gift to Iowa's Future Recognition Day honored more than 37 individuals, families and businesses that made conservation-related gifts of land, land value and conservation easements in 2009. INHF was also recognized for our outstanding efforts in land conservation, which included partnering with the state on seven land acquisition projects in 2009. Read the news release. See the photos and profiles of the honorees who attended the event. (3/10)
A 2010 biography of Gladys Black, also known as Iowa's bird woman, is now available for order. The book was written by Larry Stone and Jon Stravers. INHF provided some support in financing and promoting the book. (3/10)
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is giving a $100,000 gift to the Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp project in Marion County. The donation means 80 percent of funds for the campaign to create Hickory Ridge are committed, with only $80,000 left to raise before the land can be transferrred to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and opened for public use. INHF's gift honors LaVonne and Jim Rippentrop, whose recent bequest makes the gift possible. Read the release for more details (3/10).
INHF helps the Clay County Conservation Board add 69 acres to Oneota Park, the county's flagship recreation and habitat area. The addition includes a stretch of the Little Sioux River, a state Protected Water Area. To learn more, read the news release. (3/10)
INHF, the Jones County Conservation Board and Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever add 60 acres to Hale Wildlife Area. The land is restored prairie and woodland, and will provide expanded recreational and hunting opportunities in the Jones County area. Read the news release. (2/10)
INHF is branching out to social networking sites! Become a fan of our Facebook page or follow INHF and IowaTrails on Twitter. These pages are interactive resources for Iowa conservation news, ideas, events and volunteer opportunities. They help environmentally-minded folks connect with each other and with us. (3/24/09)
The latest issue of the INHF magazine, with project news and feature articles, is available online. Our latest Annual Report is also available.
Landowner’s Options, a free land conservation guide published by INHF, won the annual Ada Hayden Conservation Education Award. The guide outlines numerous options for Iowans who are exploring permanent land protection — whether they intend to maintain private ownership or convert it to public use. (4/16/08)
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.