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Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, Inc. (SWINT) established this 63-mile trail through the Loess Hills, in partnership with INHF. It took 10 years to convert this abandoned railroad corridor for use as a trail, but it was worth it. The trail has been frequently recognized as one of the nation’s best. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail travels from Iowa’s beautiful Loess Hills to its southwestern prairies. The Wabash has gentle grades, beginning in the popular, wooded northern section and ending in the wide ... county conservation boards. What to do Jogging and cycling on the trail are obvious choices, but other recreational activities are available including cross-country skiing, wildlife identification, picnics and dog walking (on a leash). Visitors can also travel the scenic byways through the Loess Hills and visit historic buildings and museums. The area’s Taco Ride is a popular cycling event on Thursdays during the summer months. Visit tacoride.com for more information. Location The Wabash Trace Nature Trail has trailheads in Blanchard, Coin, Shenandoah, Imogene, Malvern, Silver City, Mineola, and Council Bluffs. Tourism Info Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce (712)-325-1000 Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce (712)-246-3455
waterfowl and is home to several rare and declining species. It’s also home to many reptiles and amphibians, as well as ground-nesting birds like the bobolink. Other parts of the wildlife area contain native prairies, natural and restored wetlands, and trails. Recreational uses include hunting, dog training, trapping, native seed harvest, future native seeding, educational tours, hiking, camping, birding, cycling and paddling. Facilities are available for canoe and lodge rental. Chichaqua’s benefits go beyond ... voters of Polk County in 1956 to acquire, develop, and maintain areas devoted to conservation and public recreation. To learn more, visit the conservation board's website. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources owns the portion of the greenbelt in Jasper County. The DNR leads Iowans in caring for their natural resources. It works to conserve and enhance Iowa's natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life for Iowans and ensure a legacy for all
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Jayjack, communications director, jjayjack@inhf.org or 515-288-1846 ext. 19 Pasque on the Prairie INHF to host hike at prairie preserve near Mason City SHEFFIELD – Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) will host a spring prairie hike at Kothenbeutel Prairie on Saturday, April 3 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Together, hikers will hunt for pasque flowers, one of the first wildflowers to arrive in Iowa's prairies each spring. Central Iowa Land Stewardship Director ... wear sturdy shoes, long pants, mask, work and bring a water bottle. Directions: Kothenbeutel Prairie is located in northern Franklin County approximately 20 miles south of Mason City. Hikers may park along the road on 240th St. west of Thrush Ave. Look for INHF signs and staff. Google map. Contact Ryan Schmidt at rschmidt@inhf.org with questions. ### Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 180,000 acres of Iowa's wild places. For more information, visit www.inhf.org or call 515-288-1846.
home.” What makes this prairie so special? It’s vast. Rarely do Iowans have an opportunity to permanently protect a block of 1,000 acres of natural land! With your help, we can add 425 acres to a 600-acre state preserve and wildlife area – safeguarding and restoring over 1,000 acres of rare prairie and native woodland. It’s rare. Prairies once covered a majority of Iowa, but today 99 percent of Iowa’s original prairies have been converted to croplands, towns, roads and other uses. But Turin ... . Then it will be joined with the Turin State Wildlife Management Area and cared for by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources into the future. You'll be able to visit this place after it’s open to the public, savoring the nature experience it offers you. We expect public funds to cover up to 90 percent of this project. We have currently raised $40,000, and to complete this project, $160,000 must come from people like you who care about Iowa's land, water, wildlife and people. You can be one of the
and their work on prairie restoration statewide. George previously served on the Story County Conservation Board and played an integral role in securing a rail corridor for the Heart of Iowa Trail and creating a successful REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection) plan, which was used as a model for other counties. Both George and Trish are actively involved in the annual Iowa Prairie Network meetings, and collect and distribute seed from their own prairie to help diversify and support prairies throughout ... people they work with but the natural environment as well.” The Hagie Heritage Award was established by Janice Hagie Shindel of Florida and Ila Jeanne Hagie Logan of Moville, IA in honor of their parents, Lawrence and Eula Hagie. The Hagie Heritage Award recipient receives $1,000 and a hand-carved acorn sculpture made by INHF members Dennis and Linda Schlicht of Center Point. A ceremony will be held later this fall to recognize George and Trish Patrick’s efforts. For more information about INHF, visit www.inhf.org For more information about INHF’s Hagie Heritage Award and the nomination process, visit www.inhf.org/what-we-do/scholarships-awards
-acre property is incredibly diverse with prairies, woods and wet areas. INHF holds a conservation easement on WildWay, ensuring the special area’s permanent protection. Wildlife rehabilitators see many sick and injured animals brought for treatment, so they are uniquely able to help the conservation community find links to what may be causing the problems. Marlene recalls finding a sick robin as a child, observing that now she knows it was probably suffering from the effects of DDT. Likewise, the ... few decades. “We need to develop an ecological conscience. Once people understand our role and relationship with the natural world, we can really get things done.” IWC provides professional wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, as well as education about Iowa's native wildlife and their habitats. The organization is nearly finished building a truly "green" clinic and education center at WildWay, IWC's future home. To help complete this exciting step, or to donate to IWC's operating fund, visit the Iowa
the natural cycles of these lakes. Lakes undergo dry cycles and droughts to eliminate unwanted populations, restore plant life and create a better habitat for the plant and wildlife species that visit them. The Iowa DNR helps to replicate these cycles by engaging in drawdowns in the fall, which drain the water from the lakes and kill fish under the ice in winter. “The common carp (or other undesirable fish) do two things to the lake: They stir up the bottom sediments, and they like to root up any plants ... anchored to an unproductive cycle. “Iowa’s shallow lake restoration projects are important because these natural shallow lakes require disturbance in order to keep them healthy and diverse, similar to prairies that receive prescribed fire or conservation grazing,” Hellyer said. INHF recently purchased 58 acres of land adjacent to Elk Lake, including 1,200 feet of shoreline. When this land is transferred to the Iowa DNR, restored natural vegetation could slow the flow of sediment and provide a filter for
Protecting a wild and magnificent property in northeast Iowa is pushing INHF into new territory. Oak-hickory woodlands cloak secluded hills and bluffs. Bony towers of limestone protrude from vibrant goat prairies on sun-soaked slopes. Three miles of the Upper Iowa River determinedly twist through its 1,182 acres. The dramatic shifts in the landscape capture your gaze in every direction. The perpetually moving water and wind clear your mind and sharpen your senses. It’s a soul-stirring place. And ... experiences for people to see the property. It’s our intention to continue this sort of management long into the future.” One such intentional public experience is the annual Garlic Mustard pull, held the past five springs. After last year’s pull, longtime INHF member Bill Witt remarked, “Each time I go to Heritage Valley, my spirit soars. I can see, touch, smell the results of INHF’s stewardship: the flourishing hill prairies, young oaks on the valley floor, warblers and woodpeckers, oak-hickory savanna ... .” Find more photos, a virtual tour, opportunities to visit or volunteer at Heritage Valley and more at www.inhf.org/heritagevalley. You can help If you would like to help preserve the awe-inspiring wildness of Heritage Valley, please contact Abby Hade Terpstra at 515-288-1846, ext. 15 or donate at www.inhf.org. With 92% of funds secured for this $4.9 million project, just $400,000 is still needed.
During their days on Iowa’s prairies, wetlands, woodlands and savannas, and nights spent camping together in county and state parks and other natural areas, the interns gain an intimate understanding of Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. They also develop skills, build confidence and make connections with others in Iowa’s conservation community. Often, they walk away with experiences that last a lifetime. “It’s an immersive experience,” said Schmidt, who is also a statewide intern crew alum. “The work ... crew. We are thankful for our passionate donors that see the value in the education of young adults, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. To make a gift or learn more about how you can help support INHF’s internship program, visit our donation page (select “Internship Program” from the "Directing Your Gift" drop-down menu) or contact Cheri Grauer at cgrauer@inhf.org or 515-288-1846, ext. 20.
Golden-hued prairies, shimmering silver lakes and wilding trails are supposed to be an escape from everyday worries, not an investment opportunity. However — especially in Iowa — they have the potential to be both. Projects for the public good such as parks, trails and camping grounds have up to a 300% return on investment, increasing economic development and the quality of life in Iowa communities. Many of the grants that make those projects possible, including the Resource Enhancement and ... , a 46-acre wetland, and Wolfe Family Preserve. Fully funding state programs like REAP, the State Recreational Trails Program and the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund would help these communities realize their vision sooner and bring much-needed economic development to these rural areas. If Iowa invests in these programs, we’ll reap the benefits for years to come. Visit inhf.org/what-we-do/conservation-policy/natures-advocate to identify your legislator and talk to them about funding recreation projects you’re excited about.
