SUMMER 2019

40 YEARS OF PROTECTION Through generations Nature knows best A look at what INHF and its partners INHF has been lucky to Seth Watkins and his know families through family let nature lead the have accomplished since 1979 16 multiple generations 12 way on Pinhook Farm 9 TABLE OF CO TE TS OPE I G THOUGHTS

12 Protecting and restoring ’s land, water and wildlife.

505 Fifth Ave., Suite 444 Des Moines, Iowa 50309 FEATURES www.inhf.org | 515-288-1846 | [email protected] Bird’s eye view Two new additions to a natural area along the STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mississippi River add to a northeast Iowa treasure. 8 Joe McGovern Chair President Susan Shullaw, Iowa City Nature knows best Ross Baxter 1st Vice Chair Seth Watkins feels a responsibility to pay it forward, Land Projects Director Garth Adams, Des Moines 9 and protecting his farm was one part of that process. Andrea Boulton 2nd Vice Chair and Greenways Director Michael Daugherty, Dunkerton Jered Bourquin Secretary CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Blu ands Associate Donald Beneke, Pocahontas Jessica Riebkes Clough Treasurer Generations strong Land Projects Assistant Wendy Wiedner, West Des Moines Many families have a multi-generational connection to Kevin Cutsforth 12 INHF, passing along a culture of conservation. Database Administrator Will Anderson, Des Moines Brian Fankhauser Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, Waukee 40 years of protection Blu ands Director Bruce Ehresman, who Woodward G. Brenton, Des Moines recently retired after a 41- A snapshot of land protection over the last Diane Graves David Brown, Des Moines year career with the Iowa 16 40 years with INHF. Administrative Assistant and Looking out for the future Receptionist Cindy Burke, Central City DNR, speaks with Riggs Anna Gray Ed Cox, Centerville Wilson, a statewide land Vital refuge Public Policy Director hen Iowa world in their professional lives. We have stewardship intern, at Mike DeCook, Lovilia Success stories of species that have made a Erin Gri n Natural witnessed some wildlife species make a big INHF’s 40th Anniversary 18 comeback in Iowa in recent decades. Donor Services Coordinator Paul Easter, Des Moines celebration at Jester Park Heritage comeback in Iowa that now have more habitat Katy Heggen Vern Fish, Waterloo Lodge in Polk County WFoundation was to call home, and we played a part in creating a Photo by Madison Kelly, For those who lead Communications Specialist John Fisher, Des Moines INHF Help INHF chart the next 40 years by addressing the Lisa Hein John Gray, Sioux City founded on the national network of land trusts that make each 20 changing environment around conservation in Iowa. Senior Director for Conservation Greg Grupp, Spirit Lake Programs summer solstice in other better. Rob Hall, Harlan Joe Jayjack 1979, there was a While it is important to take a moment In land we trust Neil Hamilton, Waukee Communications Director simple goal in mind: INHF helped to establish what is now the Land Trust Kirsten Heine, Decorah to celebrate what we have been able to do 21 Alliance, creating a culture of shared knowledge. Heather Jobst protect more land, Senior Land Conservation Director Thomas Ho , Iowa City together, INHF is keeping a sharp eye on the Melanie Louis Robert Jester, Des Moines water and wildlife in JOE McGOVERN future to meet the challenges ahead. As we Learning today, Volunteer Coordinator leading tomorrow Christopher Lindell, Marion Iowa. As we celebrate President imagine what our next 40 years will look like, I Emily Martin Je Lockwood, Bettendorf 24 INHF has more than 300 alumni of its internship Conservation Programs Coordinator our 40th anniversary, invite you to help us shape that vision. Jan Lovell, Clear Lake program, many of them leaders in conservation today. Derek Miner we recognize that our mission hasn’t changed David Mackaman, Des Moines Our work is more important than ever Land Stewardship Associate much since those early days, even if the ways Anita O’Gara Paul Morf, Cedar Rapids as our state continues to change. Iowa’s in which we ful ll our mission have evolved. DEPARTMENTS Vice President Liz Neumann, Des Moines population is becoming more urban and more Tylar Samuels Richard Ramsay, Des Moines Conservation Easement Specialist It is impossible to think about all that has diverse, and we want to make sure nature 3 Opening Thoughts 26 Looking Out for Iowa Carole Reichardt, Clive Ryan Schmidt been accomplished without acknowledging all has a place in everybody’s lives. Dwindling 4 Through Your Lens 27 Get Outdoors Land Stewardship Director Susan Salterberg, Iowa City of the people that have made it possible. The rural communities could be revitalized by 6 Field Notes Tim Sproul Seth Watkins, Clarinda Loess Hills Land Conservation Travis Young, Waterloo heroes, sung and unsung, that dedicate their an investment in outdoor recreation. Our Specialist lives to making a di erence. The public and state is seeing more extreme weather events, Carole Teator ON THE COVER EDITORIAL private partners that stood side by side with us Eastern Iowa Program Manager and we know that wise planning and good A monarch lands on Whorled Editor/Publisher Joe Jayjack during rough times. And the countless people milkweed during its summer Abby Hade Terpstra conservation are part of the solution. Donor Relations Director Katy Heggen Managing Editor journey north. Photo by Deb that have supported the work of INHF. Erin Van Waus Madison Kelly Designer Future generations are counting on us, and Shoning Conservation Easement Director We would not have protected 175,000 acres Iowa Natural Heritage is published they deserve our best e ort. Thank you for Kari Walker quarterly by Iowa Natural Heritage without these people. We are blessed to have Administration Director support, whether past, present or future. We Foundation for its members and relationships with many families that span Patricia Wright friends. Articles appearing in Iowa simply couldn’t do it without you! Chief Financial O cer Natural Heritage may be reprinted generations, creating a legacy of conservation with permission of the publisher. through INHF. More than 300 former interns Circulation 10,000 continue to make an impact on the natural

2 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 3 THROUGH YOUR LENS

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” – English Proverb

It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, working for an organization whose logo is an acorn, but I never used to pay much attention to oak trees. At least not any more than I did any other tree. In fact, if I’m being honest, until somewhat recently I was often largely unaware of their presence until the arrival of fall, when acorns carpet the sidewalks of my neighborhood, my favorite trails and the forest floor, rolling and crunching under foot and bike tire. Even the most novice of arborists immediately become aware of the oaks during mast years when they announce their presence by dropping acorns by the literal thousands. Occurring every 2-5 years with few acorns in- between, no one knows what causes these irregular cycles of boom and bust – it remains one of nature’s mysteries. Many people assume INHF’s logo is an acorn because of the inherent symbolism – from little things big things grow. Those people would be correct. However, the inverse is also true: from mighty oaks come little acorns. INHF has experienced its fair share of mast years in the last four decades, scattering acorns far and wide in the form of people, projects and ideas – many which are highlighted in this special anniversary issue. In turn, those acorns-turned-oaks have gone on to spur new growth of their own. Together they stand tall, always present, ready to release a rain of possibilities. Oak trees look out over the prairie at Snyder Heritage Farm in Elkhart. The farm was — KATY HEGGEN, donated to INHF in 1991 by A.C. and Gladys Snyder. Restoration of the Oak savanna Communications specialist began in 2000. Photo by Kristy Hall

4 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 5 FIELD NOTES FIELD NOTES

UPCOMING QUARTERLY EVENTS PROTECTION REPORT An quick look at new INHF protection projects and land transferred between March – June 2019. AUG 15 Nature Walk at Newly protected areas Rubio Access addition 52 acres near the Skunk River in Keokuk County Kothenbeutel Dubuque County providing excellent wildlife habitat, water quality Prairie 68-acre conservation easement within Dubuque benefits and outdoor recreation opportunities. city limits protecting prairie, open space and scenic (Owned and managed by the Iowa DNR). Kothenbeutel beauty. (Donated by the Sisters of St. Francis). Prairie, Franklin Co. Sedan Bottoms addition Throw on your Fen Valley WMA addition 451 acres of wetland and riparian woodland habitat boots and join INHF 160 acres in southeast Clay County near Elk in Appanoose County. Expands public access and CONSERVATION for an evening hike Creek, including remnant prairie pasture and a provides high quality wildlife habitat. (Owned and FEATURES at Kothenbeutel tributary of the Little Sioux River, one of Iowa’s managed by the Iowa DNR). Prairie. We’ll guide five Protected Water Areas. (Will be owned and Woodlands managed by the Iowa DNR). Sleepy Hollow addition attendees through 15 acres of predominately riparian woodland habitat Prairies/Grassland this stunning 40- Kellerton WMA addition along the South Skunk River across the road from Wetlands acre native prairie 80 acres of pasture in Ringgold County within Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames. Protects wildlife featuring over 200 the Kellerton Bird Conservation Area, a Globally habitat and expands public access. (Owned and plant species and Important Bird Area. Protects critical habitat for managed by the Story County Conservation Board). a diverse array grassland birds. (Will be owned and managed by Park the Iowa DNR). Spring Run Complex WMA addition wildlife. RSVP at Streams/Rivers inhf.org 80 acres in Dickinson County adjacent to Pleasant Page County Lake that will be restored to prairie and wetland. Agricultural land 301-acre conservation easement along the West (Owned and managed by the Iowa DNR). Nodaway River near Clarinda. Protects grassland AUG 28 for conservation-minded farming, water quality Fox Hills WMA addition INHF’s 40th and wildlife habitat. (Protected by Seth and 116 acres of oak/hickory woodland habitat along the Christy Watkins). southeast of Ottumwa. Provides The Sisters of St. Francis Anniversary: excellent wildlife habitat, particularly for Federally celebrated a special Eastern Iowa Winneshiek County Endangered Indiana bats and Northern long-eared liturgy as they signed the bats. (Owned and managed by the Iowa DNR). conservation easement Celebration 76 acres in Winneshiek County along a heavily- protected corridor of the Upper Iowa River. that permanently protects Burke Farm, Protects scenic beauty, wildlife habitat and water Worth County their 68 acres of prairie Central City quality. (Previously owned by INHF, sold with 144 acres of wetland, grassland and oak savanna and scenic open space Once complete, the Great American Rail-Trail will conservation easement). in Worth County near Silver Lake. Provides within the Dubuque city The Great American Rail-Trail will stretch more than 3,700 miles, connecting people, Celebrate INHF’s wildlife habitat for upland birds and migratory limits. The community’s wind through the heart of Iowa places and trails from Washington, D.C. to Washington 40th anniversary. waterfowl. (Owned and managed by Worth County action reflects their land State. Image provided courtesy of Rails-to-Trails Enjoy a delicious Land transfers to public partners Conservation Board). ethic, rooted in their faith. May 10, 1869 marked the completion of Conservancy. en plein air dinner followed by hay Cayler Prairie Complex addition the transcontinental railroad, a 1,912-mile rides out to the 22 acres of remnant prairie pasture along the Little continuous railroad line linking the United horizon that inspired Sioux River in Dickinson County. Expands access to Grant Wood’s Fall and acreage of Cayler Prairie Complex. (Owned and States from east to west. Nearly 150 years later Plowing. Purchase managed by the Iowa DNR). to the day, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy tickets at INHF.org Whitetail Flats WMA addition 90 acres of riparian woodland habitat along the announced the preferred path of another cross- Iowa River in Franklin County. Protects wildlife SEPT 29 country route, one that will span 12 states and habitat and water quality. (Owned and managed Linn Landowner by the Iowa DNR) the District of Columbia, and run right through Forum Heritage Hills additions the heart of Iowa. Clearwater Farm, 583 acres of mixed habitat in Clarke and Warren Marion counties south of the Des Moines metro. Provides When finished, the Great American Rail- This forum brings high quality wildlife habitat and expands public Trail will stretch more than 3,700 miles INHF and local communities are also together land access. (Owned and managed by the Iowa DNR). owners and experts, connecting people, places and trails from working on yet-to-be-completed segments, Big Grove - Schwab / along with vendors Burford Acquisition Washington, D.C. to Washington State – including the Iowa River Trail, a 34-mile who can help with 99 acres of woodland in Johnson County. Protects habitat projects. wildlife habitat and expands access to outdoor including Iowa. 246.6 miles of the 465.3-mile former railroad corridor stretching from RSVP at inhf.org recreation opportunities. (Owned and managed by trail from Davenport to Council Bluffs have Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock along the Johnson County Conservation Board). already been completed, with 218.7 miles still in Iowa River Greenbelt. Once complete, the trail For more Lenze McCoy various phases of development. Many segments will connect with the Heart of Iowa Nature information, and Wildlife Area addition more upcoming 163 acres in Winnebago County that will be restored along the route, including the and the Highway 330 Trail. To learn more to wetlands and native vegetation, providing quality events, visit nesting habitat for migratory birds and pheasants. Nature Trail, the High Trestle Trail, the T-Bone about how you can support the Iowa River Trail www.inhf.org. (Owned and managed by the Iowa DNR). Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail among and consequently the Great American Rail- others, run along rail-trails INHF helped create. Trail visit inhf.org

6 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 7 Bird's Eye View Nature Knows Best BY ROWAN McMULLEN CHENG BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FARM Communications Intern | [email protected] BY JESSICA RIEBKES CLOUGH Land Projects Assistant | [email protected] NHF is partnering with the Iowa DNR on two additions to Lansing Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Allamakee ICounty to create a larger protected wildlife sk Seth Watkins to take you to his was a risky move for the farm and an even “I started complex in northeast Iowa. favorite spot on his cattle farm, and bigger shift in mindset, but now it’s the you’ll end up at a small, unnamed norm for Pinhook Farm. focusing Adjacent to Fish Farm Mounds State Acreek among old oaks. The banks of the creek on making Preserve, Black Hawk Point WMA, the Upper “We began working with nature, slope softly and sweeping grass holds the soil the system Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish not against it,” Watkins said. “I started in place. It’s here that Seth has turned over work, not on Refuge, the Great River Road National Scenic focusing on making the system work, not arrowheads and reflected on stories about his Byway and the Mississippi River Bike Trail, on managing the costs. When our farms managing great-grandfather, who started the farm with these additions protect 317 acres of quality are ecologically sound, that’s where we’ll the costs. a land grant after serving in the War of 1812. woodland and wildlife habitat. Rising more have sustained profitability.” When our Rising more than 300 feet overlooking the Mississippi Lansing Wildlife “It weighs heavily on me to know that than 300 feet overlooking the Mississippi River, two recently acquired additions to Lansing WMA Management Area Keeping the farm a viable, eco-and- farms are River, they’ll also permanently protect one of permanently protect one of Iowa's most stunning people lived here before, in harmony with economically sound operation hinges ecologically viewsheds. Photo by Brian Fankhauser Allamakee County Iowa’s most stunning viewsheds. the land,” Watkins said. “The creek is my on much of the property staying in sound, responsibility to pay it forward.” “The blufflands provide a significant perennial grass. Now, that grass is here that’s where natural viewshed that is limited in “These uses help build an appreciation for Pay it forward, he does. Since taking to stay forever. The Watkins family, in we’ll have distribution and in a relatively unaltered Iowa’s outdoors,” said Fankhauser. “These over fulltime management of the 301- partnership with INHF and the Natural sustained state,” said INHF Blufflands Director Brian additions also protect the scenic qualities acre farm in the 1990s, Watkins has Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), profitability.” Fankhauser. “They’re a visually appealing that benefit local tourism, especially for fall implemented one conservation practice worked together to protect Pinhook Farm after another: cover crops, flash grazing, through an Agricultural Land Easement — SETH WATKINS, resource due to their often steep topography, foliage viewers.” LAND: 317 acres of no-till, a diversified crop rotation, tree (ALE). The ALE program, formerly OWNER OF rock outcroppings, natural woodland and hill Both additions provide important habitat quality woodland and PINHOOK FARM wildlife habitat and native prairie plantings, and a major The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection prairie habitats.” for nesting and migratory birds, game and reduction in the farm’s fuel, fertilizer and Program (FRPP), permanently protects Low-impact recreational opportunities non-game species including some of Iowa’s SPECIAL FEATURES: View of Mississippi River, herbicide usage. agricultural lands, particularly those that abound in both additions with ample Species of Greatest Conservation Need. low-impact recreation, implement conservation practices and space for wilderness hikes, photography, The large blocks of woodland are especially diverse bird populations One particularly tough winter early in his tenure on the land, Watkins planned elements of sustainability. hunting and wildlife observation in the important for area-sensitive Neotropical PARTNERS: Iowa DNR properties’ rugged valleys and ridges of migratory bird species like the Acadian and INHF his largest shift in management: next year, The NRCS provides both partial funding deciduous woodland. flycatcher, Cerulean warbler and Veery. his cows would calve later in the spring. It and oversight to this USDA program,

8 IOWA ATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 9 making their partnership critical for using Land protected by ALE in Iowa, and around the country. an ALE will remain viable agricultural land “The ALE program allows NRCS to forever. The Watkins ALE preserves Pinhook Farm partner with local land trusts, like INHF, as grassland, ensuring on a common mission: protecting more of Watkins' successors celebrating will be able to continue the landscape,” said Sindra Jensen, NRCS raising cows. Photos easement programs coordinator. courtesy of Seth Watkins INHF contributes a quarter of the funding for the project, while the landowner contributes the other quarter through the Pinhook Farm donated easement value. For Watkins, Page County the ALE’s partnerships provide additional accountability. 40 YEARS “The easement keeps us from asking too much out of the land.” The conservation practices Watkins has implemented over the years, as well as the permanent protection of the grassland, also LAND: 301 acres benefits Watkins' neighbors downstream, all SPECIAL FEATURES: the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Cover crops, diversified Pinhook Farm is one of over twenty farms crop rotation, tree and native prairie plantings INHF has helped protect through the ALE/ FRPP programs, and the first in Page County. PARTNERS: Seth and Christy Watkins, INHF “Seth’s innovative, holistic approach and NRCS is good for his cows and good for the environment,” said INHF Conservation Easement Director Erin Van Waus. “It’s also a priority for INHF to keep grass as grass, whether on a working farms, wildlife area or buffer along a creek, so this project was a win-win.” Since 1979, INHF has been protecting and Land protected by an ALE will remain viable agricultural land forever. The Watkins restoring Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Here's ALE preserves Pinhook Farm as grassland, a look at our growth over the past 40 years. ensuring that Watkins’ successors will be able to continue raising cows. 40TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON KELLY

10 IOWA ATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.orginhf.org 11 n 1993, four generations of the A LOOK Petersen family gathered for the “My life has dedication of Vern and Wilmer BACK totally changed at major events Petersen Wildlife Management and projects GENERATIONS Area in Shelby County. Wilmer Petersen had through my since INHF’s Idonated an expanse of grassland and ponds founding in 1979. in western Iowa to the state for wildlife and experiences people to enjoy. His son, H. Rand Petersen, had 1979 encouraged Wilmer and assisted the donation. with INHF and INHF is established. One of Wilmer’s youngest great-grandchildren handed the deed to the Iowa Department of through my Natural Resources. parents sharing 1980 “Some seeds were planted that day,” Rand’s Daisy Iowa STRONGINHF families instill a love of the land, daughter Katherine “KAP” Linder re ected. their interest.” Whitham donates 130 acres near This family and hundreds of others have Fairfi eld, now inspire continued commitment to protection. led and supported INHF and its projects across KATHERINE KAP LINDER known as Whitham Woods. generations — as a family a air. BY ANITA O’GARA Vice President | [email protected] “Lots of people really care about this work — INHF completes about the land itself, or about the future of the its fi rst major land family at the lake home her grandmother protection project, state,” Mary Louise Petersen said. “The future established in 1917. After decades of loyal Mines of Spain, of the state and the land are connected.” permanently support, Mary Louise and Rand recently protecting 1,260 Rand and Mary Louise joined and promoted made a gift to the INHF Endowment so that acres of wooded INHF in its earliest days. The Petersens were blu s overlooking their annual support will continue even especially interested in restoration to improve Dubuque. beyond their lifetimes. water quality at the Iowa Great Lakes. Mary KAP and her husband, David, made their Louise has loved this area since her childhood, home at Twin Lakes. They envisioned the spending time in nature with extended 1981 opportunity to create a trail and prairie at Work on INHF’s fi rst a spot that had been eroding into the lake. rail-trail, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, A deeply held love of Iowa’s outdoors has taken KAP’s parents said, ‘Call the folks at INHF root in the next generation of the Petersen family. begins. Photo courtesy of KAP Linder and see if they can help.’ That was KAP’s  rst introduction to INHF. After the Linders and their neighbors had established Gutz Park 1982 and the nature trail with INHF, KAP joined Inaugural issue the board of directors. of Iowa Natural Heritage magazine. Now KAP embraces the role of Nature Grammy. Her oldest grandchild Siena, Work on the , a age 6, is especially eager for their nature 26-mile rail-trail, walks. They watch for Today’s Best Thing, begins. and are collaborating on a children’s book First edition of about enjoying nature together. KAP also Iowa Landowner loves to observe local eagles and frogs, Options, a resource for sharing information with state and national Iowa landowners databanks. interested in “My life has totally changed through my permanently protecting their experiences with INHF and through my land, is published. parents sharing their interest,” KAP said.

16 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 13 1983 Original 17-acre site of the now 229-acre Marietta Sand Prairie Preserve in Marshall County is protected.

1984 Big Bend Conservation Area, a 320-acre mix of woodland and wetland in Iowa County, is permanently protected.

1985 INHF’s fi rst nature calendar, featuring stunning shots of Iowa’s land, water and wildlife, is released.

Top: Father and son family liked to look for interesting ora and Rick Young (far right) who were also mobilizing to create trails on Center: Mary Louise Petersen collects wild grapes via canoe along the shores of Lake Okoboji. 1986 fauna along the trail. I knew my father and and Dick Young (far left) that end of the corridor. celebrate the dedication Right: David Linder accompanies grandaughter INHF hires its grandfather had worked to create the trail.” of a bridge on the Cedar Very shortly, e orts were launched to create Siena, age 6, on a nature walk. fi rst intern. In fact, in the early 1980s, Dick and Valley Nature Trail with the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The Youngs, two other trail leaders, Rick Young of Waterloo helped bring to Carl Bluedorn and Bluedorns and Buckmasters committed major Iowa’s air and want clean water in our great Iowa the concept of converting former rail Marvin Diemer. This funds to begin the corridor purchase and the state. That provides me with strong incentive photo has hung on Rick’s 1988 corridors into multi-purpose recreation o ce wall for 35 years. Gilbertville depot restoration. Rick led local to continue to support the work INHF is doing Chimney Rock, Photo provided courtesy an iconic blu trails. Iowa had just one, the Cinder Path promotion, fundraising and construction. each and every day. I’ve been blessed to follow of Rick Young along the Upper between Chariton and Humeston. Dick Left: Travis Young, “We spoke to lots of Rotaries and other my grandfather and father’s involvement Iowa River, is felt trails would be good for the people shown with his father groups. They’d ask, ‘What’s a bicycle trail?’ It with INHF, and I look forward to future permanently Rick Young, has provided protected by a and communities in Iowa. Rick and their INHF leadership on our was di cult for Iowans to imagine,” he said. Iowans bene ting from the work INHF is conservation friend Carl Bluedorn shared that vision. board for more than a The concept was controversial. At public doing today.” easement, decade. Photo provided INHF’s fi rst. They learned that the rail route between by Travis Young meetings, Rick and INHF took a lot of heat Cedar Rapids and Waterloo was ceasing from skeptical neighboring landowners and ALL IN THE FAMILY INHF helps operations, just as their friend Bob communities. In time, many began to come During INHF’s 40th anniversary, we’re create the Resource INSPIRING TRAILS AND ACTION Buckmaster became the  rst board chair “Our whole around. Today, early supporters and skeptics celebrating people like the Petersens, Youngs Enhancement “I actually  rst got involved with INHF for a brand new conservation organization: family liked alike enjoy the trail. and many others. INHF was created to help and Protection program (REAP). when I was helping to put up signs along the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Bob to look for “INHF really got the ball rolling on multi-use Iowans take action for our land, water and Cedar Valley Nature Trail as a teenager—but introduced the trio to INHF’s president interesting trails and other things, too,” Rick recalled. “The wildlife. INHF’s work has been supported by I am quite certain I didn’t know what those Gerry Schnepf and newly-hired program fl ora and more I learned about INHF, the more I liked it.” these visionaries who have accomplished signs meant or what INHF was,” said Travis director Mark Ackelson. All were enthused Twenty years later, Travis began to volunteer amazing, lasting things for their lands and Young. “I remember feeling proud while riding about how rail-trail conversions might fauna along on the INHF board of directors, contributing communities. By passing their love of the my bike with my grandfather, Dick, and my bene t people, communities and nature. the trail.” time and wisdom to diverse projects. land to the next generation, the e ect grows, father, Rick, and seeing those signs. Our whole They met with Cedar Rapids volunteers TRAVIS YOUNG “My own kids don’t bike, but they do breathe with boundless potential.

14 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 15 1989 The Clean Water Alliance, an Iowa Great Lakes region 40 YEARS of alliance, is formed. PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION The Heart of Not quite 40: the number of additions Iowa Trail, part (32 to date) INHF has helped Polk of the and County Conservation and the Iowa Great American PROTECTION DNR acquire to expand Chichaqua Rail-Trail, opens. Since 1979, INHF has partnered to protect incredible places Bottoms Greenbelt, making it one of INHF’s largest and longest ongoing The fi rst 34 miles across Iowa. Here’s a look at some major milestones. projects. Throughout Iowa, INHF and of the now 89-mile our partners have completed 839 Raccoon River BY KATY HEGGEN public land protection projects now Valley Trail opens. Communications Specialist | [email protected] owned by 112 city, county, state and With special thanks to Jessica Riebkes Clough federal public agencies. 1990 INHF helps protect fossils from the Devonian period (365 mya) found around prairies in the Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park.

1991 SETTING THE DIPPING DEEP HAPPY TRAILS A TOWERING PROTECTING EVEN GREATER MORE LOESS INTO THE WILD CREATING Hitchcock Nature MILESTONE CULTURAL GREAT LAKES AN ICON Center opens in STANDARD Featuring both INHF began focusing In 2008, INHF Folded into the the heart of the Daisy Iowa Whitham stunning natural on trails across Marked by its striking HERITAGE For 130 years, nearly protected its far-reaches of One of Iowa’s most Loess Hills, which donates 130 acres features and the state in the limestone blu s, When 1,045 acres two-thirds of a mile 100,000th acre with northeast Iowa, beloved trails, the harbors some near Fairfi eld to INHF historically signifi cant early 1980s. Its fi rst Chimney Rock towers of woodland of shoreline in the the purchase of Heritage Valley 25-mile High Trestle of the largest in 1980, permanently landmarks, Mines of trail projects – the over the Upper Iowa along the Yellow northwest corner 40 acres of prairie encompasses more Trail stretches remaining prairie remnants in Iowa. protecting the former Spain near Dubuque Heritage Trail and the River in northeast River near E gy of Big Spirit Lake and woodland than three miles through fi ve towns Iowa. Protected Mounds National remained undeveloped, connecting two parts of the Upper Iowa and four counties family nursery- was INHF’s second Cedar Valley Nature A.C. and of Stone State Park River and includes turned-nature area. land protection Trail – used former in 1988, Chimney Monument became supporting a massive in central Iowa. Gladys Snyder Her donation marked project. The railroad corridors Rock was INHF’s available in the bed of bulrushes. in the Loess Hills. a diverse mix of Completed in 2011, donate their INHF’s fi rst land landowners of this and converted them fi rst conservation 1980s, INHF began When the owners were To celebrate, INHF woodland, prairie the trail features an 154-acre farm, protection project. wooded blu chose into multi-use trails easement (CE). In working to protect considering developing donated the property and fl oodplain, all iconic 1/2-mile bridge now known as Owned by INHF and to work with INHF to and linear parks. 2001, the current it. Completed in the land, a move that to the Iowa DNR to managed primarily across the Des Snyder Heritage managed by the protect their land for This approach has owners of the 2000 after 20 would have put the expand the park. for wildness. When Moines River Valley, Farm, to INHF. Je erson County conservation. Today, helped make Iowa Chimney Rock years of ongoing lake shore in jeopardy, INHF has completed INHF purchased the making it one of the Conservation Board it is a state recreation a trails destination. CE, brothers Bill conversations and INHF entered the more than 100 1,200-acre property largest trail bridges as a public park, area featuring more To date, INHF has and David Heine, negotiations, the conversation. After an projects protecting in 2007, it didn’t in the world, and 1992 decided to expand Heritage Addition ambitious fundraising more than 17,000 anticipate how large a symbol of Iowa’s Whitham Woods than 15 miles of helped create The fi rst 927 acres features a diverse hiking trails, the more than 65% of the protection area, nearly doubled campaign that included acres in the Loess of an impact this commitment to trails. of the now 1,356- mix of plants, Julien Dubuque Iowa’s rail-trails, donating a new CE the size of E gy a generous gift from Hills alone, and more place would have acre Aldo Leopold excellent wildlife Monument and including INHF’s 40th – INHF’s 40th. 190 Mounds to 2,526 the owners who chose than 170,000 acres on its work. After Wildlife Area is habitat and ample breathtaking views of protection project, INHF-held CEs now acres, and linked to sell the land to statewide. much consideration, established in opportunities for the Mississippi River. the Fort Dodge protect 22,910 acres it to a unit of the INHF for far less than INHF made the Bremer County. outdoor recreation. Photo by Digital Nature Trail. across the state. Yellow River State its appraised value, decision to retain Dubuque Forest. Photo by Angler’s Bay was ownership and care Clint Farlinger permanently protected. for Heritage Valley long-term.

16 IOWA ATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 17 RAY MORANZ

“ We shouldn’t work 1993 First INHF addition against nature, we should to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt work with nature.” is completed.  VINCE EVELSIZER, DNR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST 1994 The Upper manages white-tailed deer populations on Mississippi small, local scales that  t deer, human and River Blu ands Alliance, a multi- habitat needs. state protection “What’s so successful about the white- in Louisiana that traded two wild turkeys parternship, is tailed deer is that they’re probably the most for every river otter (Iowa State law would formed. visible megafauna that we have in the state,” not allow for the direct purchase of the said DNR Wildlife Biologist Jim Co ey. otters and Kentucky was in need of wild loss. Trumpeter swans are now considered a Top, left: Trumpeter Although high deer populations can turkeys), the  rst sixteen river otters were 1995 cygnets, or young swans, success in Iowa thanks to an active Iowa DNR sometimes have negative impacts, their released at Red Rock in 1985. Over the INHF helps create splash around. Since the Horseshoe Bend reintroduction program and more habitat with DNR reintroduction rebound is a sign of abundant habitat. years, more than 300 river otters were Refuge, expanding e orts, many more the Mark Twain VITAL support from private landowners and partners. healthy cygnets have released at 25 di erent sites across the “The pair bonds are very strong and the been born in Iowa. Photo River otter rebound state. With steady community support, National Wildlife by Deb Shoning Refuge, providing idea is to raise them in an area that they will Other than in northeast Iowa, which river otter populations naturally increased natural drainage recognize then return to since they have Top, right: White-tailed maintained a small remnant population, river to the point that DNR could safely during fl ood events deer watch from a lush REFUGE what’s called site  delity, or the inclination to otters all but disappeared from Iowa in the late introduce a trapping season in 2006. and habitat for forest — the doe making wildlife. come back to the same place year after year sure her fawn can safely 1800s due to trapping pressure, habitat loss Native wildlife once lost to feast on nearby foliage. after year,” said Iowa State University Natural Photo by Ron Huelse and food scarcity as wetlands and marshes Butterfl y abundance Iowa have returned thanks Resource and Ecology Management Professor were drained for agriculture. The Regal fritillary was once found 1996 Emeritus Jim Pease. “We shouldn’t work against nature, we statewide, but now resides primarily to reintroduction e orts. INHF purchases the For the  rst time since near extinction “ What’s so should work with nature,” said DNR Wildlife in southern Iowa. Listed as a species of fi rst segment for the over a century ago, Trumpeter swans are now Biologist Vince Evelsizer. Special Concern by the Iowa DNR, these 19.6-mile T-Bone BY ROWAN M MULLEN CHENG Trail, which was Communications Intern | [email protected] producing healthy cygnets in Iowa each year. successful The Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Diversity velvety butter ies depend on prairie dedicated in 2009. about white- Program was key to reintroduction e orts, violets, an uncommon species even in owa has experienced tremendous Fawned of whitetails tailed deer is as was the river otter’s relatable playfulness, high-quality reconstructed prairies, as its landscape changes. Elk and bison Though it may seem hard to believe now, in which helped garner broad support for larval host plant. Prairie restoration and 1997 herds once thundered through seas the early 1900s, white-tailed deer had largely that they’re reintroduction. After a creative arrangement reconstruction e orts have been key to The fi rst 2,575 Iof grass, but habitat loss and overhunting been eliminated in Iowa due to overhunting. probably the between Iowa, Kentucky and an otter farmer their recovery, as well as that of Monarchs. acres of the now extirpated these and other native species in Deer season was legally closed in 1898. Over “It’s really important to  nd the 6,741-acre Sedan Bottoms Wildlife Iowa. However, thanks to concerted e orts the next half decade, the population slowly most visible remnants and protect them,” said Xerces Management Area to protect, restore and re-establish wildlife but steadily stabilized, buoyed by deer that megafauna Society Farm Bill Pollinator Conservation is established populations previously threatened or lost to immigrated, were relocated from herds from Planner Sarah Nizzi. “That’s most likely in Appanoose County. the state, several native species have made surrounding states and deer that escaped or we have in where you’ll  nd the violets and that’s the a comeback. INHF is proud to have played were released from captive herds. By the early the state.” best opportunity for them.” a part in the protection and restoration of 1950s, the population had reached a level that  JIM COFFEY, 1998 habitat for many of these species. eventually led the state to reinstate the  rst Top: Regal fritillary rests on a wildfl ower. Found only in DNR WILDLIFE The modern deer season in 1953. prairies, the regal fritillary is a relatively large butterfl y BIOLOGIST species that relies on prairie violets as a larval host plant. Nature Trail, a 63- Take fl ight Since then, careful, localized population Photo by Ray Moranz mile trail through southwest Iowa, One of the most iconic species on Iowa’s management has been key. With varying Left: River Otter release at Lake Red Rock in 1985. opens. landscape, the Trumpeter swan was extirpated population sizes, habitat carrying capacities Reintroduction e orts included releasing over 300 river otters to help the species rebound to sustainable from Iowa due to overhunting and habitat and human cultural di erences, the Iowa DNR population levels. Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR

18 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.orginhf.org 1921 2000 Land stewardship department grows For those to include a crew of interns.

Heritage Addition who lead to E gy Mounds National Monument You can help INHF shape is completed. the vision for our next 40 years of work. 2003 INHF permanently BY JOE JAYJACK & KATY HEGGEN protects Wildin [email protected] | [email protected] Heritage Prairie, an 80-acre remnant s Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and restored prairie with 16 small prairie (INHF) re ects on the last 40 years, potholes. it’s easy to get nostalgic, recalling INHF was one of four founders of the Land Trust Alliance. From left to right Mark Ackelson (INHF), allA of the incredible places INHF has helped Joan Vilms (Land Trust of Napa County), Bill Sellers protect and restore, and all of the people and IN (Brandywine Conservancy), and Jay Espy (Maine Coast 2004 LAND Heritage Trust). Photo courtesy of the Alliance partners that have made that work possible. INHF helps After all, there’s a lot to celebrate. permanently However, as an organization that was protect Whiterock created to ensure Iowa’s wild places will As INHF plans for its next 40 years, instilling an WE TRUST “A guy named Kingsbury Browne took a Conservancy, remain for years and generations to come, it appreciation for nature in the next generation is one LOOKING sabbatical from his law rm because he kept Iowa’s largest is just as important — if not more — to look of the goals. Photo by Joe Jayjack/INHF Connecting conservation hearing about these land trusts. He went private land TOWARDS preserve. ahead. To take inventory of where we, and THE FUTURE across the country and discovered land trusts conservation as a whole, are headed. people can experience it their own way that lands and communities. that might be in the river valley adjacent to At the heart of INHF’s INHF is currently in the midst of creating has meaning for them and their families — another one, and didn’t know that the other one mission are people BY KATY HEGGEN 2005 its next strategic plan. Once complete, this that’s the most important part.” who are passionate Communications Speciallist | [email protected] existed. He found that all across the country. living document will serve as a guide for our about protecting So he brought us together,” Ackelson said. Judy Felder, Mary Iowa’s land, water and Brown and Sandy work for the next ve years. As we look to the Resilient Lands wildlife. We invite you owa may not be the rst state to come up in “Out of that meeting, virtually spontaneously, Rhodes permanently horizon, here are some of the things we’re Iowa is already experiencing the e ects to be part of INHF’s conversations about national conservation. grew this need to create some kind of national protect Indiangrass thinking about: of climate change. Increased precipitation strategic planning There are no mountains here. No coastlines. association.” Hills, a 640-acre process. Below are prairie preserve in and higher temperatures have contributed a few examples of No towering redwoods, everglades or Though they didn’t know it at the time, Inclusive Outdoors to extreme weather events a ecting Iowa the type of questions Iyawning canyons. But as those that have spent Schnepf and Ackelson were among those Iowa County. Iowa’s outdoors should be available to communities statewide, as have changes we’re posing to those time exploring the state's outdoors know, in attendance at what would later come to new and familiar everyone. However, not everyone has access to our natural landscape. As we look to the to INHF. To view a there’s much beauty to be found here. But even be known as the “founding” meeting of the to or feels comfortable or welcome in outdoor future, how can the work of INHF address full list of questions those with a deep love and appreciation for Land Trust Exchange, now known as the 2006 spaces. As we strive to protect, restore climate change in Iowa, and how can we and take a short Iowa’s outdoors may not realize the role Iowa Land Trust Alliance (the Alliance). INHF was Angler’s Bay survey, visit inhf.org/ bulrushes and and create opportunities for Iowans to get make our land, water and communities more Natural Heritage Foundation’s protection of one of the four initial incorporators of the strategicplan. lake shore on outdoors, what can INHF do to reach new resilient to those changes? these wild places has played in the protection of Alliance, joining the Brandywine Conservancy Big Spirit Lake audiences, build relationships and forge new • Thinking about other natural areas far beyond Iowa’s borders. (Pennsylvania), Land Trust of Napa County Iowa, what is your are permanently partnerships, particularly with people that are Innovation personal vision? (California) and Maine Coast Heritage Trust. protected. underserved by nature and outdoor recreation Attitudes and approaches to conservation • Who is being A strong foundation Ackelson served as the second board chair for opportunities in their communities? are changing. Some of these changes present left out? How In October of 1981, INHF’s Gerry the Alliance. “As we do our work, we continually have to opportunities, others challenges. All call for might we use Schnepf and Mark Ackelson made their Today, the Alliance serves as the collective 2007 conservation as a ask ourselves why, and for whom,” said INHF creativity, collaboration and ingenuity. As means to be more way to Cambridge, Mass. for the National voice of the land trust community, representing INHF purchases President Joe McGovern. “Sometimes we want such, how can INHF accomplish conservation inclusive? Consultation on Local Land Conservation. land trusts — including INHF — supported by 5 Heritage Valley. people to enjoy nature the same way we do, in new ways and with new partners, taking • What do you see Schnepf was the rst president of INHF, which million members nationwide. and that wouldn’t be fair. We all come from into account an ever-evolving political as INHF’s most was founded just two years earlier in 1979, and “INHF has been and continues to be a leader di erent backgrounds, we all have di erent landscape, unprecedented shifts in land important work? Ackelson was one of the rst three sta ers. in the land trust community,” said Tammara points of view. Making sure that it’s available ownership, public and private resources for Ackelson would later serve as president from Van Ryn, founding executive director of the — while protecting the resource — and that conservation, among other trends. 1994-2013. Land Trust Accreditation Commission (the

20 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 21 2008 An addition to Stone State Park in Woodbury County marks INHF’s 100,000th protected acre.

First Gift to Iowa's Future Day.

2010 The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund is created (and remains unfunded today).

In partnership with the Swanson family, INHF protects Bernau Prairie, 125 acres of one of the largest known Commission), an independent program created said INHF President Joe McGovern. “We’re all “ When I think of With the founding of the Alliance, local Above: INHF and LTA have advocated for and previously by the Alliance. “The entire history of INHF, in this together, from local conservation to e orts to in uence federal legislation programs and policies to advance conservation unprotected black INHF, the term since the early 80s. soil prairies in Iowa. save for those rst two years, is intertwined national, even international conservation.” converged. While the Alliance acts as the 'full-court press' Left: Setting aside time to learn from one another with the collective history of land trusts across land trust community’s voice on Capitol at conferences, retreats and the like has long been a the country. INHF has been pulling together the Connecting lands comes to mind. Hill, individual land trusts continue to play priority in the land trust community. Photos courtesy Pleasant Grove Land Preservation, land trust community since its beginnings.” Just as habitats di er from region-to- an integral role in shaping the policies that of the Alliance It is deploying Inc. permanently region, so do approaches to protecting those every tactic and shape our lands. protects 479 acres Building community lands. As such, opportunities to learn about From a series of proposed reforms in the of woodland, prairie Since those early days, INHF has remained a what land trusts are doing elsewhere — and strategy it can early 2000s that helped keep land trusts and “You guys have a really good relationship and grassland in leader within the Alliance, the Commission and to share what INHF is doing in Iowa — are to advance its key federal tax incentives for conservation with your delegation,” said the Alliance Mahaska County. the land trust community on the whole. invaluable. mission: engaging intact, to weighing in on the 2018 farm Government Relations Director Lori Faeth. “Beyond its impressive legacy of conservation INHF sta routinely attend and present the public, bill — the single largest source of federal “It’s such a great land trust and it’s in a in Iowa, I most appreciate INHF’s commitment on a range of topics at national conferences, funding for land conservation, to continuing really important part of the country policy- 2011 to contributing time and talents to the broader including Rally, the Alliance’s annual working with to work on ending federal tax incentive wise. You have key members of Congress The High Trestle land trust community,” said the Alliance National Land Conservation Conference landowners to abuses, INHF has always maintained a and you have access to them.” Trail is completed. President Andrew Bowman. “Perhaps because which draws more than 1,800 land trust protect essential presence in D.C. and at home. The DeCook of this, INHF is one of the land trusts that professionals each year, as well as other lands, advocating “Policies can take conservation in Bound by the land family permanently everyone in our community knows, and there conferences throughout Iowa and the di erent directions – for better or for worse,” Just as nature knows no borders, neither protects nearly are good reasons for that. INHF exempli es Midwest. for local, state said INHF Public Policy Director Anna Gray. does the nature of conservation. While 2,000 acres leadership qualities.” Conservation can be lonely work,” said and federal “We look at policy as a conservation tool, INHF’s contributions to conservation on the of grassland in southern Iowa. Several INHF sta serve in appointed Bowman. “Being able to tap into the lessons funding and one that we can use to protect and restore national scale have evolved over the years, positions within the land trust community, learned, expertise and even resources of the land, just as we use prescribed re or the guiding philosophy for this work – for including on the Land Trust Alliance Leadership others from across the country makes us all policy, responding prairie reconstruction.” all of INHF’s work – that together, we do Council and the Land Trust Accreditation stronger.” quickly and While INHF communicates with its more, remains unchanged. 2013 Commission, shaping national standards, e ectively to colleagues at the Alliance about national “What I nd remarkable is that over Volunteer program launches. policies and strategies. They also represent From the Golden Dome to D.C. emerging threats issues on an ongoing basis and is a regular multiple decades, di erent organizational INHF and land trusts in leadership positions Early on, INHF and others in the land trust and more.” xture at the Alliance’s Advocacy Days, challenges and transitions in sta , INHF Mark C. Ackelson within other facets of the conservation community recognized the importance of an annual lobbying event, it’s perhaps the has always made the commitment to Fellowship is community ranging from sporting groups to advocating for federal policies and programs ANDREW BOWMAN, relationships INHF has been able to establish participate in and contribute its strength established. trail advocates to volunteer wild re crews. that support conservation through a land LTA PRESIDENT with key policymakers that have had the to the larger land trust community, and the “We cannot a ord to operate in a vacuum,” trust lens. greatest impact. community is better for it,” said Van Ryn.

22 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 23 2014 Iowa by Trail App launch.

INHF protects a 235- LEARNING TODAY, acre addition to Fen Valley, the second LEADING TOMORROW largest fen complex. 2016 INHF interns are shaping Iowa’s landscape. INHF launches iowalandoptions.org, an online compliment BY ROWAN MMULLEN CHENG Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, to Iowa Landowner’s Communications Intern | [email protected] researching whether salting roads in cities “ I was Options. rom land stewardship to project contributes to increased metal concentrations constantly INHF protects support, Iowa Natural Heritage in urban streams. inspired Heritage Hills, 1,021 Foundation interns have left an INHF’s interns are privately funded by acres of woodlands undeniable impact on INHF and individual INHF members, the R.J. McElroy by the land and remnant prairie. Fconservation in Iowa since the program rst Trust, the Richard “Sandy” Rhodes Internship owners we Turin Prairie, a 467- began 33 years ago. fund and the endowment funds from the Svare acre addition to Turin Wildlife Management These interns don’t go for co ee runs; and Stravers families. met while Area, opens. they take out cedars three times their size, “Our long-term goals for any type of working. write grants for future land protection and experience for young people, especially I realized craft inspiring conservation stories. As interns, is that they are better equipped to conservation-minded professionals, applying INHF land stewardship interns spend their summers 2017 learning about, caring for and exploring Iowa’s respected members of the INHF team, these enter the workforce in this area, that they the joy of the skills they learned while at INHF across The Jewell family landscapes. Photo by INHF internships have served as career launch have an insight into how the world works, to Iowa and beyond in a diversity of professions. permanently protects conservation its 700-acre farm, pads for many past interns. really see productive members of society, that “The internship is a great way to try out who steadily speak up for it. Not everybody making it one of Iowa’s “One of the things I appreciated most it supports them in developing the skills they through and apply classroom knowledge in a very gets to be an expert on every issue, so it’s largest Agriculture about my internship was getting to network need to go out into the world and that you them.” safe environment,” said Jeremiah Bergstrom, really important that there are people who Land Easements. with conservation professionals,” said Amy have a real impact,” said R.J. McElroy Trust ABBY ZABRODSKY, a 1994 program intern specializing in are willing and able to speak up and be an INHF partners Andrews, a 2015 statewide land stewardship Executive Director Megan McKenzie. ISU STUDENT AND PAST landscape architecture, a subject he now advocate for certain causes in an informed with The Nature intern. “I loved feeling plugged into the By the end of this summer, more than LAND STEWARDSHIP teaches at South Dakota State University. way,” said former statewide land stewardship Conservancy in Iowa to protect Green Hill INTERN conservation community in Iowa. I think 350 interns will have joined the workforce as “I took those skills, knowledge and my intern and State Representative Chris Hall, Ranch, over 500 that was the rst time I could really envision passion and was able to start really seeing who has served Iowa’s 13th District in the Iowa acres of classic Loess myself in a conservation career.” how that could begin to transform and shape House of Representative since 2011. Hills topography in Pottawattamie and Andrews is now a private lands wildlife decisions and communities and really begin For the interns, many of these hands-on Mills counties. specialist serving Clay, Dickinson, Emmet to interpret the landscape in a way which is experiences have helped them gain a greater and Palo Alto counties. The position is a meaningful but also informative for long- appreciation for Iowa’s natural places and collaboration between the Iowa Department term management of the resources we have. been personally transformative. 2018 of Natural Resources private lands program, For me it was just the ability to step out of the “My work with INHF made me into the Two families protect Wallace & Bowers Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service classroom in a professional environment, be conservationist I am today,” said Abby Nature Area, 160 and the Conservation Districts of Iowa. welcomed and be able to really begin to make Zabrodsky, an Iowa State University student acres near the “Many of the initial contacts made during a di erence.” and 2017 land stewardship intern. “I was northeast shore of Big Spirit Lake. that summer became professional and INHF interns can contribute to INHF’s constantly inspired by the land owners we personal contacts over the years as I worked work in meaningful ways that best utilize met while working. I realized the joy of Jeremiah Bergstrom, in environmental policy and watershed a 1994 program intern or further develop their skills and passions. conservation through them.” 2019 management,” echoed Rebecca Kauten, a specializing in landscape The internship program does more than architecture, now INHF invites contributions to help support the INHF celebrates 40 1998 communications intern. teaches that subject provide guidance; it establishes life-long intern program. If you are interested in learning years of protecting at South Dakota State and restoring Kauten is now a PhD candidate in conservation advocates. more, please contact Abby Hade Terpstra at University. Photo courtesy Iowa’s land, water the University of Iowa’s Department of of Jeremiah Bergstrom “Any good cause needs to have advocates [email protected] or 515-288-1846, ext. 15. and wildlife.

24 IOWA NATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 25 LOOKING OUT FOR IOWA GET OUTDOORS

LEAVING A LEGACY PHOTO BY DON POGGENSEE PHOTO BY JENNIFER MEYER

LaVonne and Dale Foote were of oaks and grassland, and the 18-acre longtime Spirit Lake residents who left an Little Foote Forest near Milford where incredible legacy gift toward “achieving LaVonne loved to go birding. the goals of Iowa Natural Heritage The Foote Fund has also supported Foundation in Dickinson County.” Reeds Run Wildlife Area, Garlock Wild LaVonne passed away in 2011 and Slough WMA, West Okoboji Lake left a meaningful bequest to INHF. With WMA, Pioneer Park Nature Preserve, Harvest the help of her close friends, INHF sta an addition to the Christopherson developed guidelines for using the Slough complex, the expansion of the BY ROWAN McMULLEN CHENG Communications intern | [email protected] generous bequest that would best re ect Northern Tallgrass Prairie National her interests. The funds may be used for: Wildlife Refuge and the Wallace & eaf through fresh forest litter to Bowers Nature Area. • Permanent land protection uncover a di erent kind of crop. From that bene ts birds Future Dickinson County projects hazelnuts to morel mushrooms, you Lcan forage for a variety of delicious, healthy • Leveraging additional yet undreamed are already a step closer project support, and to reality thanks to their remarkable regionally historic foods in Iowa year-round. • Projects with partnership generosity. Among other uses, the Foote Fund Discover young stinging nettles, golden potential. helps protect land that benefi ts birds. chanterelle mushrooms, purslane, lamb’s ABBY HADE TERPSTRA, Photo by Bruce Morrison Donor relations director quarters and winter cress. Each plant LaVonne and Dale’s gift has already produces a unique  avor to lead you down a protected many natural areas in the place path of new culinary opportunities. they loved calling home. Leave a legacy of clean water, healthy soil and Take note of the time of year to ensure You can experience the Foote’s legacy beautiful outdoor places for future generations. your food is ripe enough to consume. It’s also by visiting the 79-acre Judd Wildlife To see how including INHF in your will or trust can help make your a good idea to look for edible plants in the Management Area (WMA) addition vision for Iowa a reality, contact Abby Hade Terpstra at o -season — sometimes the plant will reveal protecting remnant prairie, the 60-acre [email protected] or 515-288-1846. itself after the edible season with showy Little Sioux Savanna  lled with a blend  owers or a distinct smell. Also remember to check your environment before consuming raw foods. Plants near large farm  elds,

roads and even treated lawns may contain PHOTO BY JENNIFER MEYER PHOTO BY ARRIA BELLI chemicals. TRIBUTE GIFTS “Edible plants are a great place to begin seeing the integral value of our landscape,” IN MEMORY OF Eleanor “Pudd” Handorf Becky Nelson IN HONOR OF Stephen Atherton Willard Hawker Jack Nordyke Bruce Ecker said Drake University Professor of Biology Dr. 1 2 3 4 James Bodensteiner Donald L. Hitt Roger Osborn Isaac Rueben Fish Nanci Ross. “When looking for edibles, you MORELS LAMB’S NETTLES PURSLANE Norris John Boehm Arnold Klemme Raymond Possehl Spencer Hunter can’t help but begin to notice the shape of Harvest season: QUARTERS Harvest season: Harvest season: Richard Brown Brad Kollars Isabelle & Earl Salterberg Roslea and Robert Johnson Early spring. Harvest season: Early spring. Summer - early fall. Lamoyne Burmeister Norbert Kruckenberg David Schnell Daryl Kothenbeutel the  owers, the timing of ripening fruits, the summer - early fall. Find them: in and Find them: In Find them: In Donald Eugene Callender II Roberta Kruckberg Kent Sheeley Colleen Looker other species growing and living in the same on the edge of Find them: In moist fi elds and open areas, yards Mary Ellen Caroll Cavanagh George and Marlys Ladd Truman Slitor Jan Lovell areas. It’s a great way to see how we are part forested areas. sunny, open areas. open woods. and cracks in the Charlie Cutler Dan J. Leary Norman G. Snuttjer Paul Morf sidewalk. of our landscape.” *Not native to Iowa William D. Daugherty Ben Lewman Agnes Steinfeldt Anita O’Gara *Not native to Iowa Stephen DeVries Leland Sagstuen Long Ann Steinfeldt David Michael Smith With groups like Edible Outdoors, Prairie Patricia Dinsmore Darlene Lorenz Bill Stowe Paul Stober and Willard Bucklen States Mushroom Club, the annual Wild Eloise Ricklefs Merritt “Junior” McCardle John Strain 44th Wedding Anniversary Doris Feuerbach Kathleen Milewsky Mary Sytsma Food Summit and the Midwest Wild Edibles Bob Fisher Darwin Miler Murry and Lizzie Sytsma and Foragers Society, you can easily  nd a Hoddy Gates Wendy Sue Mitchell Keith Westercamp community of support and shared knowledge PLEASE NOTE Gordon Gilbertson Doug Mounce Fred Willenborg Carol Gri th Morris Neighbor to start your foraging season, allowing you *If your forgaged food smells like fresh almonds, it may John J. Halvacek Aaron M. Nelson to see new places in Iowa without sacri cing have toxic cyanide in it and your dinner schedule. should not be consumed.

26 IOWA ATURAL HERITAGE SUMMER 2019 inhf.org 27 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 1713

505 5th Ave., Suite 444 Des Moines, IA 50309

INHF interns form a line at Snyder Heritage Farm in Polk County to begin their transect walk, a land management team strategy that carefully combs across properties to find and remove invasive plant species. To their backs, a recently reconstructed prairie pothole wetland holds back water from another round of summer storms. Photo by Emily Martin