INHF member organizes fund to promote wildness

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Note: This article was first published in the Summer 2004 edition of INHF's quarterly magazine.

Seeking to raise discussion about the meaning and value of wildness in Iowa, Roger Gipple of Des Moines has formed the Agrestal Fund within INHF. Agrestal means "not domesticated or cultivated; growing wild in the field."

"My goal for Iowans is to develop an increasing level of trust for wildness in each of the many ways it may reveal itself," said Gipple. He has enlisted the help of INHF, The Wildlands Project and others to engage the public in this statewide rumination, "a personal journey with each participant seeking his or her own balance."

A volunteer committee is developing a writing contest with cash rewards for selected essays. Music events and a conference are also possibilities.

Gipple created the Agrestal Fund with a $25,000 gift, but contributions from others are welcome. For more information visit www.inhf.org or call Roger at 515-224-4126.

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