Blog

Jim and Marcy Gray lovingly donate an oak savanna and prairie in Ida County.

Fall is its own kind of fun: leaves changing colors, pumpkins, apple cider and giant leaf piles to jump into. Once we’re done with our fun, sometimes we bag those leaves up and take them away. But did you know that it’s a good idea to leave the leaves? Here are some good things fallen leaves can do for nature.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce that it has reached its $1.9 million fundraising goal for the Arnolds Park Nature Area and will purchase the property to ensure it is protected and open to the public.  

INHF is known as a place where staff have longevity with the organization — Diane Graves is a perfect example. If you have ever called or visited the INHF main office, you would have probably met or talked to Diane. After 25 incredible years of dedicated service to INHF, Diane is retiring.

Meet Iowans navigating land ownership and transition decisions. 

Help permanently protect open space in Iowa's Great Lakes. 

Travelers or residents passing eastbound through Shenandoah, IA down 190^th St. may have noticed the noise and busy atmosphere of a hard day’s work on Boylan Farms. During the month of August, INHF and the tenant farmers at Boylan Farms were busy making improvements to the property, including two to homesteads.

As the days grow shorter and time spent indoors increases, many INHF staff members turn to the cozy comfort of a good book. Whether you're hunting for a captivating read for your own free time or need a great story to share with the kids in your life, we've gathered a list of our all-time favorites—perfect for fall, winter, or any season!

This fall, INHF predicts many happy squirrels, turkeys, deer… and KIDS! This is because many nut-bearing trees across the state are experiencing a mast crop of nuts.With the abundance of nuts, what better time to collect and explore them! With your family or on your own, try these activities the next time you find yourself in proximity to nuts.

If you’re in the habit of turning over logs or poking through woodpiles, you might be lucky enough to find one of Iowa’s 28 native snake species. Richly diverse, Iowa's snakes play an important ecological role. Learn more about these often misunderstood and stigmatized creatures. 

Algific talus slopes are unique and fragile microsystems that are worth seeking out and protecting. 

INHF is pleased to have Jessica Paul join the central Iowa stewardship crew to help boost restoration efforts as we move into fall.