Mathes Woodland Restoration (Pella)

Make your way to the woods for a spring afternoon outdoors! Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard, one of the most invasive plants in Iowa, from Mathes' woodlands. Garlic mustard spreads rapidly and displaces native plants and wildflowers. If left unchecked, it can do serious damage to wooded landscapes. People are welcome to stay, explore and enjoy the property's spring ephemeral flowers after the event. 

What to expect

-         Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard

-         Bending and kneeling will be involved

-         Terrain can be hilly and uneven. Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.

-         No experience necessary

-         Instructions will be provided onsite, but you can view a how-to video ahead of time here.

*Interested in volunteering? Navigate to the bottom of the page and click "sign-up" to register

Needed attire & equipment

-         Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots

-         Long pants and layers. You may be working with thorny plants so sturdy clothes that can withstand rips (or you don't mind ripping) are encouraged.

-         Work gloves (Leather is best - we'll have some extras if needed)

-         Water bottle

-         Feel free to bring other desired items like a hiking stick, binoculars, field guide and/or camera, if you like!

 Other details

-         Families are welcome

-         There will be no restroom on site. The nearest restroom will be in Pella, which is about a 10-minute drive. 

-         A moderately challenging walk roughly 100 yards from the meeting location will be required. 

-         Mathes does not have a parking area, so participants will park alongside the gravel road (Dakota Drive) near the meeting location.

-         Expect to work on wooded hillsides with moderate slopes.

-         Expect to interact with general woodland plants, including thorny shrubs, as well as occasional logs or fallen trees. Gloves will be provided if desired. 

-         You will be asked to acknowledge a liability waiver when you register

 About Mathes

The Mathes Property encompasses 51 acres with rolling hills of oak/hickory savanna, woodland and a plethora of spring ephemeral wildflowers. The property sits atop a ridge just before dropping into the South Skunk River floodplain north of the property. This natural area sits just a few miles outside the town of Pella and is a refuge for wildlife, including deer, turkey, owls and a number of birds. Mathes came to INHF through a bequest from former landowner, Harold Mathes, in 2010. It is now owned and stewarded by INHF.

Directions

From Pella, head north on Main St. about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto 228th Pl. until the stop sign. Turn left onto 240th Pl. to the first gravel road. Turn left on Dakota Dr. and look for INHF signs.

Contact  Kayleen Leetch with questions at kleetch@inhf.org

Commitment to Diversity

INHF is committed to ensuring that its policies, practices, and systems are free of barriers, emphasize the value of diversity, and promote full participation to ensure dignity, respect, and equal access for all. 

2365 Dakota Dr.
Pella, IA  50219

sign up Thursday 5/8/2025 1:00 PM - 3:30 P