INHF to purchase Clover Woods 4-H Camp in Boone County

By Joe Jayjack on November 4, 2019 in Press Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe Jayjack, communications director, jjayjack@inhf.org, 515-288-1846, ext. 19 or 712-310-7182

MADRID, Ia. — Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) is purchasing the 1,011-acre Clover Woods Camp and Retreat Center along the Des Moines River in Boone County from the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

“Our first priority was to try to protect the valuable natural resources at the camp and keep it whole,” said INHF President Joe McGovern. “There aren’t many places like this in central Iowa, especially ones that are this important to wildlife habitat, water quality and outdoor recreation.”

In addition to the cabins and facilities used by campers, the camp contains high quality oak-hickory woodlands, more than a dozen miles of hiking trails, views of the Des Moines River valley and ancient Native American burial mounds.

“We’re working with our public and private partners and the community to envision the future of this special place, including the most appropriate public use,” McGovern said. “Thousands of people have come to this camp to enjoy and learn about nature, and we’re excited that people will still be able to experience this land that has meant so much to generations of 4-Hers in Iowa.”

INHF will spend the coming months figuring out the best use of property, including ownership, management and appropriate public use. People interested in supporting this project can click here and select "Clover Woods 4H Camp" in the "Directing your gift" dropdown box, or contact Abby Hade Terpstra at aterpstra@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 15.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation, which has run the camp since the 1940s, listed the camp for sale in late September, citing declining attendance and a desire to support other 4-H programming around the state. The camp was split into 12 parcels for the sealed-bid sale. INHF made and offer on the entire property and came to an agreement with the 4-H Foundation board late last week.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a private nonprofit with a mission to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Since 1979, INHF has protected more than 175,000 acres and blazed the way for thousands of miles of multi-use trails across the state.