Prairie Doctor

By Clara Wodny on December 5, 2024 in Blog

When Ron and Barb Eckoff purchased a plot of land in Warren County almost 25 years ago, they didn’t have any substantial experience with conservation or land stewardship. Ron had recently retired from a 35-year career in public health and his wish list was simple: to find 20 to 40 acres south of Des Moines to “tinker around on.” Now, they have restored a total of 116 acres, including valuable remnant prairie and oak savanna.

Their first 75 acres, bought in 2000, earned the name “Twin Oaks” after a pair of large, charismatic Bur oaks at the center of the property. At the time of purchase, Ron and Barb didn’t have a plan for the future of the land, which had been used for grazing by the previous owners.  They decided to start by exploring the landscape, trusting that a project would follow. They were in for an exciting surprise.

“I didn’t have any idea what I was going to do with it,” Ron said. “One day I noticed some strange-looking grass that turned out to be big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). This was the first indicator that there could be something special here.”

The Eckoffs were thrilled to discover sections of what they believed to be remnant prairie and oak savanna, both very rare — and necessary — resources. In Iowa, only 0.1% of remnant prairie and even less remnant oak savanna remains, making protection of these areas of the utmost importance. Their excitement gave way to action, and Ron began devoting his time to learning about prairie plants and restoration practices.

After taking a self-study ecology course through Des Moines Area Community College and doing extensive research on his own, Ron was ready to seek advice from the experts. In 2004, he purchased a “day in the field” with Drake professor and renowned ecologist Dr. Tom Rosburg at a silent auction. The one-day rapid survey documented 165 vascular plant species, including 130 native prairie and oak savanna species.

In 2006, the Eckoffs were able to expand Twin Oaks with an additional 41 acres of adjacent prairie. This expansion included species that were not present on the original tract, such as pale purple coneflowers and compass plants. They purchased a second field survey with Dr. Rosburg in 2007, which added an additional 46 species to the total plant list.

Ron’s willingness to learn and put in the work has made a tangible impact on the health of the prairie and savanna.

“He was always very curious and wanting to know more about the plants he was seeing, and also how to deal with the more invasive things,” says Rosburg. “The most impressive part was how methodical and focused he was to do this all by himself.”

Ron’s method included the development of his own system for mapping the land, without the aid of modern GPS, by setting up wooden posts at regular intervals and creating a grid with a letter and number axis.

When it comes to removing invasives and encouraging healthy growth, Ron is just as meticulous. Pesky brambles that crowd out native plants are no match for Ron and his paintbrush of herbicide that ensures only targeted species are impacted.

One of Ron’s favorite features of the land are the flourishing populations of butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) — a true testament to his dedication. In 2000, there were only a handful of plants that he would have to hunt for each spring, clearing around them to increase survival. Now, part of the prairie is awash with vibrant, beautiful blossoms early each summer.

The Eckoff's commitment to conservation is apparent by the beautiful landscapes, like the prairie and oak savanna pictured above. Photos by Erin Van Waus, INHF and Jordan McDowell, INHF Graphic Design Intern.

 In addition to removing invasives by hand, Ron frequently carries out prescribed burns. He has built up an arsenal of equipment, occasionally enlisting his grandsons to help.

“I always offered to bring down the crew from Drake to help with burns, but he politely declined and told me to take them somewhere else,” says Rosburg.

With INHF’s help, the Eckoffs donated 80 of the acres they’ve so carefully stewarded to Warren County Conservation Board (WCCB) earlier this year. Under WCCB’s management, the property will soon be open to the public as “Eckoff Nature Preserve.”

When discussing the future of the land, Ron and Barb prioritized public access and education, hoping to expose others to the beauty of remnant prairie and inspire future conservationists.

“It’s all about protecting the resource,” adds Erin Van Waus, INHF’s Conservation Easement Director and a key facilitator in the acceptance and transfer of this donation.  “That commitment shines through [Ron and Barb’s] actions and stewardship.”

A new project for Ron, who plans to keep volunteering on the land as long as he is able, has been mowing hiking trails that wind through the prairie and savanna.

“Up until now, I didn’t have any trails, you just had to walk through the prairie,” says Ron. “Prairie enthusiasts will probably continue walking through the prairie, and that’s great; my hope is that the trails encourage others to start exploring and get interested.”

There is still work to be done before the land will open to the public, but excitement is brewing. This will be WCCB’s first public property on the western edge of the county, allowing convenient access to outdoor space to a new part of the community.

“I can assure you we will continue Ron’s legacy of using the area as a place for education,” says Mark Wilson, the outgoing director of WCCB.

Zach Hall, who recently took over Wilson’s role, emphasizes the importance and timeliness of this project: “As urban development increases, so must our protection efforts to conserve finite natural resources,” he says.

“The long-term goal is to ensure this resource flourishes. Our communities’ culture and history is tied to the support of the land, and the opportunity to connect with nature provides health benefits that can’t always be quantified.”

Opening the Eckoff Nature Preserve to the public is a full-circle moment for Ron. Here, his passions of public health and prairie health come together as a direct result of his dedication and stewardship.