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A new 422-acre addition to the Heritage Hills Wildlife Management Area in Madison and Clarke counties has been transferred to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and opened to the public.

This blog series highlights and acknowledges our dedicated board members. Lending their time and talents on a volunteer basis for the protection of Iowa’s land, water and wildlife, INHF’s board members show an incredible amount of dedication and expertise. Our board members come from every region of the state, connecting our work with communities, landowners and organizations that help to make more conservation happen. See a full list of board members here and learn more about Neil Hamilton below!

INHF works statewide, traveling to every corner of Iowa to protect cherished places, steward sensitive landscapes, advocate for nature. As an entirely donor-supported, nonprofit, accredited land trust, the organization’s structure and function differs from many other conservation organizations across the state. But not across the nation. As a member of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) — a nationwide network of nearly 950 land trusts — INHF staff have the opportunity to connect with other land trusts at Rally. 

Once a vital part of survival, foraging has become more of a hobby than a necessity. Foraging is a good way to get a greater understanding of the plants that make up your local environment.

What do crafts, advocacy and the outdoors have in common? Zines (pronounced zeens), short for fanzines, are a way to combine several interests into one! Is there a cause or area of interest you want to share with the world? Try publishing your own zine!

While feeding ducks and other waterfowl may seem like a peaceful, harmless outing, there are hidden dangers that come with feeding these birds. Learn about why feeding could hurt these creatures, how they find their own food, and some healthier alternatives.

Shh… Have you ever spent time outdoors and wished you could see more wildlife? Think about the way you walk, talk and smell. Learn how to move through the nature unnoticed to increase your likelihood of spotting wildlife up close.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has selected Matt O’Connor of Hopkinton to receive the 2026 Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage Award. Endowed in 1989 by Jan Shindel and Ila Jeanne Logan in honor of their parents, Lawrence and Eula Hagie, the award is given annually to a person who has demonstrated extraordinary personal service and commitment to improving the quality of Iowa’s natural environment while encouraging others to do the same.

The gray fox is a unique, charismatic animal and they’re native to Iowa, so why have so few Iowans ever seen one?

One of the simplest ways to get outdoors is through a nature walk. While a stroll through nature is exciting enough, setting an intention for your jaunt can be even more satisfying and fun. These can be done on your own or with a friend, and you can keep track of your progress in your head, by drawing them on paper or by taking a picture. Whether your promenade is through your neighborhood or through a park or trail, here are some ideas to make each walk a unique adventure!

Andy and Debi Butler own 127 acres of land along Catfish Creek in Dubuque, known as Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy. While the land already had a conservation easement on it when the couple purchased it, they soon found a purpose in restoring the land as well. It now serves as a model for urban conservation — exemplifying how private landowners can inspire public good by integrating restoration, education and wellness. 

INHF pursues an opportunity to protect a coldwater trout stream adjacent to Manchester Fish Hatchery.