Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy

Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy in Dubuque, Iowa, was born from a strong emotional bond between Andy and Debi Butler with the limestone bluffs along Catfish Creek in the southernmost area of the city. From a young age, Andy and his childhood buddies spent countless hours exploring the area — splashing in the creek, climbing the bluffs, wandering wooded trails, and discovering the natural treasures this varied landscape offers to kids seeking big adventure. 

Fast forward 50 years… when 127 acres of this area became available, the Butlers purchased it with the primary goal of preservation. Years prior, previous owners had the foresight to permanently protect the land with a conservation easement held and monitored by INHF. The conservation easement outlines a vital baseline for how this special place is managed and appreciated under the Butler’s careful stewardship.

A vision anchored in wellness

The idea of establishing a formal conservancy emerged soon after the purchase, evolving into a broader purpose for the land shaped by their personal values and collaboration with other like-minded people and groups. Inspired by conversations with INHF’s Conservation Easement Specialist Tylar Samuels about the work INHF does to protect and restore land, water and wildlife, the Butlers moved beyond land protection to active restoration. They expanded their goal to return Rabbit Hollow to its native state as it existed a couple hundred years ago — a land of diverse ecosystems, native flora, and thriving wildlife. Their vision is for Rabbit Hollow to serve as a sanctuary for people to discover the joy and magic that nature offers those who wander over its hills and through its creek. 

Debi is deeply committed to the physical and brain health benefits of nature for children. Through her nonprofit Brain Health Now, she promotes self-regulation and de-escalation techniques in schools, grounded in scientific research showing that unstructured time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and obesity while fostering confidence, independence, teamwork, and overall brain health. She sees Rabbit Hollow as a vital space for healing and development for those who face brain health challenges.

“It just aligns with everything we’re doing,” says Debi. 

Restoration and biodiversity

Restoration and habitat creation efforts are ongoing and attracting interesting new wildlife, including otters, foxes, eagles and bobcats. A multi-year creek bank restoration project is underway at four erosion hotspots to stabilize Catfish Creek’s banks using prairie plantings, improving water quality and land integrity.

Rabbit Hollow is a tapestry of diverse ecosystems, including:

• Three remnant prairies, including a rare goat prairie on a south-facing slope, which supports unique plant communities
• Oak savanna and riparian woodlands
• A “micro canyon” — a crevasse in limestone bluffs which creates a specialized microclimate that hosts unique species such as showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis)
• Four natural oxbows along Catfish Creek provide for increased freshwater biodiversity 
• The  “Twin Sisters” — prominent, iconic limestone pillars named in honor of two sisters

Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy has been strengthened by working closely with INHF, who Andy says are “phenomenal partners” they call upon for technical guidance on restoration projects, as well as to ensure Rabbit Hollow is compliant with the conservation easement requirements.

An invitation to the community

While Rabbit Hollow remains private property, the Butlers encourage people to explore and learn more about this community-focused space:

• Access is by invitation or through organized events.
• Education and community engagement are central to the conservancy’s mission. Rabbit Hollow Director John Schroeder along with staff members Ethan Schrodt and Kordell Lattner collaborate with the University of Dubuque’s environmental science program to conduct soil sampling before and after prairie restoration efforts to measure the efforts’ impact on soil health. 
• The staff arranges for volunteer days with area high schools and local Scout programs, as well as bringing in conservation and ecology experts to share their knowledge and interest with the community.
• Maple syrup tapping is an annual activity at Rabbit Hollow, and a new installation of beehives is underway. These programs reflect a belief that connecting people to nature through purpose-driven activities can foster a love for nature and interest in stewardship.

Recognition and broader impact

Rabbit Hollow is rich in historical layers, too, adding depth to its value. Known early indigenous inhabitants of this land included the Meskwaki and the Ho Chunk tribes — the original stewards of these bluffs. Later, the land was visited by early Europeans, Civil War soldiers, and countless others drawn to its natural wonders, including one of Dubuque’s founders whose homestead fell within Rabbit Hollow’s footprint. 

The visible changes at Rabbit Hollow have generated curiosity and appreciation. The Butlers hope Rabbit Hollow serves as a model of urban conservation — exemplifying how private landowners can inspire public good by integrating restoration, education and wellness.

Ultimately, Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy stands as a testament to private stewardship with public impact. It is a place where ecological diversity, historical reverence, and community well-being converge. Rabbit Hollow is more than a protected landscape; its a living land legacy meant to inspire others to recognize the potential their land may have for community well-being and memory making.

The Butlers believe nature offers magic, restoration, and spiritual connection. Through Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy, they aim to cultivate a culture of stewardship passed down through generations.

Andy summed up their why for Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy, as “I’d love for our grandchildrens’ grandchildren and our neighbors’ grandchildrens’ grandchildren to experience the kind of joy and the magic and the serenity that we feel when we go down to Rabbit Hollow.”