Tye Foundation supports
Sand Lake project

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in July 1999. 

A major grant has brought a public area called Sand Lake closer to reality in Marshall County.

The Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation recently approved a donation of $7,500 towards purchasing a former quarry near Marshalltown and converting it to be used for conservation, water recreation and education.

"The project was supported by the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation because it was felt there was a definite need in the area for park and lake property of this type to enhance the conservation of land and the protection of wildlife, yet provide a convenient recreational facility for people in Marshalltown," said Rex Ryden, secretary of the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation.

The proposed 95-acre area is located east of Marshalltown off of East Main Street. The Marshall County Conservation Board and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) are working together on this project. INHF is a non-profit, member-supported organization that protects, preserves and enhances Iowa's natural resources for future generations. Some of their past projects in Marshall County include the Marietta Sand Prairie, Arney Bend and Rhodes Timber.

The estimated cost for the Sand Lake project is $90,000. Earlier the Martin Marietta Company kicked off the fundraising campaign with a donation of $27,500 towards the value of the land. Local individuals and organizations such as the Izaak Walton League and the Tri-County Bass Busters continue to donate funds for Sand Lake. An additional $25,680 needs to be raised from the community.

The area includes 52 acres of water and 43 acres of land with a mile and a half of shoreline for fishing. Because Sand Lake lies along the Iowa River Greenbelt, it will provide wildlife habitat and will receive wildlife refuge status. The area attracts a variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds, eagles, beavers, and otters.

"Development at Sand Lake will be kept at a minimum due to the facilities at nearby Riverview Park," said Garry Brandenburg, director of the Marshall County Conservation Board. However, parking lots, boat ramps, floating docks, signs, information posts and portable restroom facilities are planned for the area and are part of the fundraising campaign.. The facilities at Sand Lake will be made handicapped accessible. The area will also provide a new destination for bicyclists. Sand Lake lies within one mile of the existing bike trail.

If funds can be raised this summer, the park may open this fall. Fundraising and informational materials have been printed in both Spanish and English.

For more information on the project, call the Marshall County Conservation Board at 515/754-6303. Donations may be mailed to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 402, Marshalltown, Iowa, 50158-0402.

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

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