The next generation:
Revisiting INHF projects 25 years later

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This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2007 magazine.

By Tim Laehn

Back in 1982, the Foundation was only three years old—but we sure got a lot done! In addition to educational and leadership activities, we helped partners protect 10 natural areas throughout the state. To celebrate 25 years of protection, consider visiting at least one of these project sites in 2007. You’ll see what early INHF members did for us—and better appreciate what we’re still doing together “for those who follow.”

Dallas County Conservation Board

Kuehn Conservation Area’s largest annual event, the Prairie Awakening, draws up to 1,000 visitors every year on the first Saturday after Labor Day. This Native American celebration attempts to bridge the gap between nature and people through music, dance and storytelling.

1. Kuehn Conservation Area

Location: 4 miles south and 4 miles west of Adel

History: INHF helped landowner Gerald Kuehn and the Dallas County Conservation Board develop a protection strategy for the 303-acre site, which Kuehn sold to the county at a bargain price. INHF has since helped the county secure additions to the growing complex.

Reasons to visit: Today, Kuehn Conservation Area contains portions of the South Raccoon River, native and re-established prairie, woodlands, unique geological formations, archaeological sites and interpretive trails. Its Bear Creek Nature Center hosts numerous school and public educational programs, such as bird watching, prairie hikes and geological, archeological and aquatic programs. Visitors can also canoe, camp, hike, hunt and fish.

Contact: Dallas County Conservation Board, 515-465-3577

2. Doolittle Prairie Preserve Addition

Location: 8 miles north of Ames

History: INHF negotiated the purchase and provided temporary ownership for a 16-acre addition to the Doolittle Prairie Preserve. Now owned by the Story County Conservation Board, the tract features native prairie and three wet prairie potholes. It serves as a buffer for the original prairie tract, which contains six natural potholes and high-quality prairie remnants.

Reasons to visit: Doolittle Prairie Preserve is a great place to observe native prairie—whether on your own, with school groups or through the monthly guided hikes offered by the Central Iowa Prairie Network. It also provides valuable wildlife habitat and is open to public hunting.

Contact: Story County Conservation Board, 515-232-2516

Dubuque County Conservation Board

The Heritage Trail’s gentle grade, coupled with its dramatic scenery, make it a fun outing for all ages.

3. Heritage Trail

Location: Connects Dubuque and Dyersville

History: INHF and Heritage Trail, Inc., helped acquire this 26-mile trail. It is now owned by another key partner, the Dubuque County Conservation Board. Today the Heritage Trail is being extended into the city of Dubuque and is also part of the Mississippi River Trail, a designated route that follows the river along 10 states.

Reasons to visit: Surfaced with crushed limestone, the Heritage Trail follows the Little Maquoketa River and is suitable for hiking, walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling portions. Though the trail itself follows a gentle railroad grade, it offers spectacular views of sheer limestone bluffs, river overlooks and native habitats. Additional attractions include the Nautiloid Cephelopod fossil outcrop at Graf and the Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve.

Contact: Dubuque County Conservation Board, 563-556-6745

25th Anniversary: Other Projects

25th Anniversary: Non-land Projects

A Peek at 20 Years Ago

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