Prairie added to Stone State Park

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by Alison Griffin

This 63-acre addition to Stone State Park in Sioux City protects native Loess Hill prairie while preserving scenic views.

Stone State Park in Sioux City will soon include another 63 acres of Loess Hills prairies, woodlands, ravines and ridges.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation recently purchased land along the park's southern border from James and Herta Schenck to preserve prairie, wildlife habitat, rare plant and animal species, and scenic views. Though the park is rich with undeveloped woodlands, it's had little prairie.

The addition contains prairie remnants, rare quaking aspens and the state-threatened narrow-leafed milkweed. While site studies have only begun, park officials believe that dozens of butterfly species and other native plants and animals may also be thriving on the property.

INHF will transfer the parcel to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which will manage the site for public use. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center lies near the addition, and its Woodbury County Conservation staff will be able to offer prairie hikes and public activities here.

"Very few communities in Iowa have such a high quality habitat within their city limits. High quality prairie is a rare commodity in Iowa," said Kevin Pape, Northwest Districts Park Supervisor with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Acquiring the Schenck property will help protect the southern border of the 1,069-acre park from development and preserve that backcountry feel we cherish."

The Kind World Foundation, a local, private foundation, provided the lead gift for this project with a $23,000 challenge grant. Norm and Amanda Waitt (founders of The Kind World Foundation) said, "We see this purchase as a rare opportunity to preserve a jewel for our community."

This gift helped INHF secure a $73,875 grant from the state Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program, $20,000 from the Loess Hills Alliance and $8,250 from INHF and some of its members.
These funds cover both acquisition costs and initial restoration expenses such as planting native prairie species and removing invasive shrubs. On slopes where mechanical removal is not possible, there will be a continuing need for vol-unteers to help clear the prairie by hand.

A volunteer workday will be part of the dedication ceremony planned for Spring 2005. The Friends of Stone State Park, a nonprofit volunteer organization created to enhance recreational opportunities and natural resources of Stone State Park, will assist IDNR with the restoration and organize future volunteer opportunities at the prairie.

INHF worked with the Schenck family for four years to make this addi-tion possible. "We're grateful for Jim and Herta's cooperation in protecting this great site," said Mark Ackelson, INHF President. "We hope it will be a place for people to learn more about prairie while participating in its recovery."

Alison Griffin is a journalism student at Drake University and a Robert R. Buckmaster Intern for INHF.

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