Opening Thoughts: Our Shared Home

When I moved to Iowa 14 years ago, I was taken aback by the beauty of the tallgrass prairie. 

I’m originally from suburban New York, and I’ve always loved the outdoors. I like to hike and bike, and many vacations are spent in national parks or international locations with diverse landscapes. But the tallgrass prairie was new to me. I had always assumed it was just grass, but the amount of color when it’s in bloom is truly stunning. 

I joined Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s board of directors in 2014 — and started my two-year term as board chair last October — because I think it’s critical that we protect Iowa’s natural resources. There are all the practical reasons inherently important to us: water quality, soil health and access to spaces for outdoor recreation. But we also share this space with plants and animals. It’s their home, too, and it’s important that we protect habitat where we can. 

What has impressed me most about INHF over the last 12 years is the quality of the board and, especially, the staff. They are incredibly talented people with a deep knowledge of conservation and of Iowa. Lots of organizations describe themselves as “mission-driven,” but I have rarely seen that to be as true as it is for INHF.

In the spring issue of Iowa Natural Heritage Magazine, we learn about partnerships that create more access and connectivity in public wildlife areas. We check in on INHF projects that have seen significant habitat restoration over the years. We meet people that want to connect us with Iowa’s beautiful parks and make our night skies more wildlife friendly. These stories display how INHF is uniquely positioned to make conservation happen in Iowa, and it is possible because of the support of people like you. 

Our state has an incredible opportunity to invest in the future of our water quality, public health and overall quality of life by finally funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. While the trust fund was created by a statewide vote more than 15 years ago, the legislature has yet to direct money into the trust fund, and each year that goes by is a missed opportunity. There is a growing grassroots movement to encourage legislators to fund the Trust, and we appreciate those of you that have spoken to your legislators about it. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to advocate for this sustainable, constitutionally protected funding source for our land, water and wildlife. 

Thank you for sharing your resources as a donor, your voice as an advocate and your time as a volunteer. Together, we’re making our shared home a better place. 

– David Brown, INHF Board Chair