Barlow Challenge

By Sarah LeBlanc on October 7, 2016 in Blog

As part of its Community Challenge, the Barlow Family Foundation has chosen two INHF projects to support by matching funds to individual donations.  Donations to the Gunderson Nature Park and the Iowa River Trail, both located in Hardin County, will be matched by the foundation from Oct. 3-17.  

Donated to Eldora by Bob and Mary Lou Gunderson, the Gunderson Nature Park is 25 acres of prairie, wetland and woodland to create a space for public recreation, wildlife habitat and enhanced water quality.  A butterfly habitat, paved trail loop and prairie reconstruction have already been created in the area, with future plans for trailside benches, a viewing platform and wetland restoration. 

The Iowa River Trail runs along 34 miles of the Iowa River from Steamboat Rock to Marshalltown. The project is looking for funding to rehabilitate the Iowa River Bridge to establish a 2.5 mile trail that can be used for biking, walking, hiking, cross country skiing and more. To be completed in sections, the path hopes to give visitors views of the river under a canopy of leaves.

Individual donations between $25-$100 will be matched by the Barlow Family Foundation. Since 2002, the foundation has given $1.1 million to area groups. 

If you would like to donate to INHF's projects during the Community Challenge to double your contribution, checks can be made out to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation with the project name in the memo line and dropped off at Iowa Falls State Bank or mailed to:

Iowa Falls State Bank
PO Box 129
Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Interested donors may also make donations online.