Council Bluffs to protect key bluff

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in March 2000.

If needed funds are raised, Council Bluffs will soon protect a 31-acre bluff with native prairie that lies within city limits.

The property is located on top of the hill at the intersection of Woodbury Avenue and Harry Langdon Blvd., on the southern edge of Council Bluffs. It is one of the few undeveloped blufftops remaining within city limits. Now owned by Mildred Vincent, who lived there with her family for more than 50 years, the protected property's proposed name is Vincent Bluff Preserve.

"That's what Council Bluffs is noted for: those bluffs," said Mrs. Vincent. "I just feel like others should enjoy it like we did."

Making the park a reality requires several project partners. Mrs. Vincent has signed an option to sell the land to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a statewide nonprofit group that protects Iowa's land, water and wildlife. INHF is working with the Loess Hills Preservation Society (LHPS), a local nonprofit that's dedicated to building the region's economy by improving the management of the world-famous Loess Hills landform. Once funds are raised, INHF will transfer the bluff to the City of Council Bluffs ownership.

The entire project budget of $523,500 includes the land purchase plus related project costs such as legal fees, interest, site planning, signage, etc. So far the city has raised $290,500 from an Iowa Department of Transportation grant. LHPS has already contributed a $25,000 grant it received from the Iowa West Foundation for land protection, and INHF has contributed $5,000 from its Lowell J. Walker fund. All partners are contributing in-kind services.

INHF and LHPS plan to raise the remaining $192,500 primarily from private individuals and groups. A project steering committee of local volunteers will be established soon. All contributions must be received or pledged by August 31, 2001.

Vincent Bluff Preserve will not be a traditional city park with bluegrass and swingsets but will be restored and maintained as the natural Loess Hills prairie that once dominated this area. It will be open to individuals and groups for hiking, birdwatching and environmental education. LHPS will provide ongoing management, interpretive support and educational programs for the preserve at no cost to local citizens.

"The Vincent family has provided a unique opportunity to participate in the conservation of our natural heritage for our generation and future generations," said Janice Marcantonio, president of LHPS. "This landmark bluff serves as an important portal into the Loess Hills of Western Iowa and provides a window for the nation to appreciate Iowa's vanishing prairie."

The choice to protect Vincent Bluff Preserve was not random. "The Vincent property was identified as one of four properties most in need of protection because of its high visibility to many travelers and tourists and because of the remnant prairie found on the property," said Mayor Tom Hanafan. "We're excited about taking this next step to make that protection a reality. We all feel that it's important to preserve this part of Council Bluffs' history and identity."

The prominent, west-facing blufftop is clearly visible from both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29. It is also visible from the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, the Western Historic Trails Center and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Someone standing on top of the bluff can look out over Council Bluffs, Omaha and the Missouri River valley.

In addition to its scenic values, the bluff contains high-quality prairie remnants and provides wildlife habitat. Some prairie species on the site include big and little bluestem, purple coneflower, Illinois bundle flower and others.

"Though Iowa was once 85% prairie, less than 0.1% of our prairie remains," said Mark Ackelson, president of INHF. "If we don't save a few of these bluffs, future generations won't be able to see any of the wonderful views or native species found by the area's early settlers. Such places are Council Bluff's natural heritage."

The bluff also has local significance. Once an adjacent road, called Skyline Drive or Boy Scout Trail, provided city residents with a great view of the surrounding land. Overlooking the old Trans-Mississippi Railroad, it was part of the view for early train travelers in this area.

"The Vincent property is part of one of the most noteworthy bluffs that our city is known for," said Marcantonio. "The preservation of the Vincent property and the surrounding bluffs is one of the most important goals that our Society has ever had."

Other LHPS projects include helping create policies and educate citizens about the significance of the Loess Hills region and the many problems caused by repeated soil mining and improper development in the Hills. The grassroots organization has helped governments and businesses find cost-effective alternative sources for fill dirt.

INHF has completed almost 500 projects around Iowa, protecting more than 55,000 acres. Other INHF projects in Pottawattamie County include the Hitchcock Nature Area, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, the Fairmount Park Addition and the Rahel Conservation Easement.

Mrs. Vincent has many fond memories of her family's years on the land: hiking, looking for wildflowers, spotting all kinds of animals. "I do hope that it will bring enjoyment to others; I hope future generations will enjoy going up there and looking around," she said.

People interested in supporting this project can send funds to either the LHPS or INHF. Designated donations to either group will be placed in a special Vincent project fund. For more information or to make a donation, contact LHPS at 366-2678 (PO Box 913, Council Bluffs, IA 51502-0913) or contact INHF at 800-475-1846.

Read the funding update for more information on this and other Loess Hills projects.

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

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