Spring Branch Creek

View of Spring Branch Creek at Bennett Property

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is fundraising to protect approximately 192 acres along the Spring Branch Creek coldwater trout stream near Manchester in Delaware County. The property lies adjacent to the Manchester Fish Hatchery, which is the hatchery from which all stockable Iowa trout originate. Protection of this upland and floodplain will help improve the quality of water flowing through the hatchery and maintain existing fishing access on the 3/4 mile stretch that flows through the property.

An aerial view of Spring Branch Creek looking north, just west of the hatchery

An aerial view of the Manchester Hatchery, looking north

Spring Branch Creek features a rocky bottom and populations of wild Brown Trout

Much of the property features rocky outcroppings and wooded slopes.

Spring Branch Creek maintains populations of wild Brown Trout and Slimy Sculpin, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). The woodland is predominantly white oak along with shagbark hickory, walnut and hackberry, while the balance of the area is restorable grassland.

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Spring Branch Creek map

Spring Branch Creek zoom out

Fast Facts

Approximately 192 acres of woodland and grassland, bisected by 3/4 mile of Spring Branch Creek, a coldwater trout stream.
The site is adjacent to Manchester Fish Hatchery, the only trout hatchery in Iowa.
The site would eventually be open to the public for hiking, hunting, fishing and other recreation opportunities.

Fundraising

INHF has a goal to raise $250,000 in private donations. Your support will help make this protection project possible to it can be preserved and open for all to enjoy.