Although it's often easy to not think about it, water is one of the most important parts of our everyday lives. From recreation to cleaning to drinking to growing and cooking food, water is all around us all the time. Our quality of life can suffer when we have too much (flooding), not enough (drought), or low-quality water (in our surface waters or our wells).
Golden Hills is introducing Nishy the Loch Nish Monster to help people get to know the Nishnabotna Watershed, and educate about how our local water bodies and sourcewater can be impacted by water quantity and quality issues. Nishy the five-foot floaty will visit sites throughout the watershed and share information about challenges and solutions for improving water quality, reducing flooding impacts, and improving river recreation in the region. Golden Hills coordinates the East and West Nishnabotna Watershed Managment Coalition which aims to reduce flooding and improve water quality throughout the watershed. Follow the watershed coalition on Facebook. We have also been involved with the West Nishnabotna Water Trail in Pottawattamie County since it began in 2010. We are currently partnering with Shelby County Conservation and Iowa DNR to determine feasibility of extending the water trail designation north into Shelby County. Follow the water trail on Facebook. Learn more about all of Golden Hills' land and water conservation projects at http://www.goldenhillsrcd.org/conservation.html and follow Golden Hills on Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for Nishy updates!
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More than 99.9% of Iowa's native prairies have been been removed from the land. Of the remaining <0.1%, more than half is located in the steep Loess Hills landform of western Iowa. Prairies evolved over thousands of years with regular fire regimes set by native peoples and lightning. Large ungulates like bison also roamed the prairies, grazing grasses and forbs. Since European settlement in the 19th century, the fires and grazers have largely been eliminated from the landscape. In recent years, fire has seen a resurgence as an important tool for prairie, savanna, and woodland restoration and management.
Partners from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and local county conservation boards joined to help burn hundreds of acres of public and private lands in Monona County on April 30, 2020.
The annual Loess Hills Cooperative Burn Week had been scheduled for this week but was postponed due to COVID-19. Burn Week partners are still making the best of available resources, and conservation agencies regularly collaborate to assist with burns on both public and private lands throughout the Loess Hills. After an overview of the plan for the day and weather conditions that morning, three squads separated to their respective units. Firefighters used drip torches to light areas within the fireline, including both woodlands and grasslands. Roads, water bodies, and mowed paths are often used for firebreaks to contain the fire.
Without fire and grazing, eastern red cedar (juniperus virginiana) can take over and crowd out other species. Although these cedars are a native species, they rapidly become invasive without proper management.
Cool-season grasses like brome that were planted as pasture for livestock can also take over native prairies.. Brome does not have the same habitat value as a diverse remnant prairie. Cool-season grasses green up earlier than warm-season grasses. Burning in spring can set back the cool-season grasses that have started to green up, and help natives recolonize an area.
Perennial native vegetation is fire adapted so burning does not kill it. Native plants burn more quickly and thoroughly than brome pastures. Flowering plants in the burn unit will bloom slightly later in the season than in unburned portions which extends availability of nectar resources for pollinators. Many flowering plants will have more flowers and seed production during the year of the burn (=more nectar resources and more food resources). In woodlands and savannas, bur oak trees are fire-adapted but many shade-tolerant species are not. Prescribed fire favors native oaks by removing seedlings of other shade tolerant species like hackberry. This time of year, people may wonder about the effects of fire on grassland ground-nesting birds. Since they evolved with the prairie and fires, they have strategies to adapt and are very persistent re-nesters. If they lose a nest to a fire, they will re-nest. In order to keep the whole grassland functioning long term, prescribed fire is necessary along with some short term-losses of nests. Natural areas are broken up into units so that the whole area doesn't have fire at the same time. A burn unit may only see one fire every 3-7 years, though some areas are burned more frequently.
To protect crop land near the burn units, corn stubble was removed from the outer edge of fields. Much of the prairie to be burned is on top of the Loess Hills ridges, while lower areas are cultivated rowcrops. The blackened area won't last long, as green prairie plants will begin to dot the landscape within a few days.
The diversity of the burn unit offered ample opportunities to see how fire behavior varies with fuel, topography, and weather changes. When a large brush pile caught fire in a ravine, flame lengths reached 30 or more feet! Most of the fires, however, were only a few inches to a few feet tall. ​
In addition to the ecological and wildlife habitat benefits, prescribed fires help maintain the unique Loess Hills scenery along the viewshed of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. This fire was located on the Wilderness Loop of the byway in Monona County, which includes some of the most rugged and remote parts of the state. Firefighters posted signs on the road to warn drivers of possible smoke, and to let people know that the fires are intentional.
While you're out exploring the Loess Hills this spring, don't be surprised if you see smoke and flames. It is probably a prescribed fire being used to restore our fragile and globally-significant Loess Hills!
​​For more information about prescribed fire in the Loess Hills, visit the Loess Hills Alliance's Stewardship Committee web page. ​​ We are approaching the peak of spring bird migration. National Audubon Day is April 26 and May 9 is Global Big Day. Right now is an excellent time to head outdoors to look, listen, and learn. Western Skies Scenic Byway is book-ended by two Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs), which aim to protect bird habitat. The Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area "contains 94,048 acres in Monona and Harrison counties, of which nearly 19,000 acres are protected by conservation easements or publicly owned. Bird diversity here is exceptional, with 249 species identified, including 80 Iowa Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Currently, 111 species are known to nest in this BCA’s prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands." Download a brochure. The Raccoon River Savanna BCA in Guthrie and Carroll counties, "was the tenth to be created in the state of Iowa. Totaling 54,361 acres, this large land tract encompasses three core areas in which conservation measures can be targeted: Whiterock Conservancy, Springbrook State Park, and Elk Grove Wildlife Area. This the first Iowa BCA to focus on savanna, often likened to a transition zone between prairie and forest that is crucial for many of Iowa’s birds. As many as one-third of the state’s 200 breeding birds can be found nesting in this increasingly rare habitat." Download a brochure. Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is the only national refuge along the byway corridor. Each spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl migrate through. Bald eagles and many other birds are also frequently seen. Lakes like Prairie Rose, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands are all grate places to view birds. The county and city of Audubon, in the middle of the Byway, are named after famous birder John James Audubon. In downtown Audubon, you will find a statue of Audubon at the city park, a stained glass image of Audubon, and more than 200 tiled bird mosaics inset into the sidewalks. Inside the Audubon Post Office is a mural of John James Audubon and his party during their journey down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. As you drive across Audubon County on Highway 44, pay attention to the roads you pass. They're named after birds, alphabetically from west to east (Bluebird, Crane, Dove, Eagle...to Pheasant, Quail, Robin, Swift. Additionally, the Iowa Ornithologists' Union includes several birding hotspots along Western Skies. Numerous other parks, wildlife areas, and trails exist along the byway and offer ample birding and wildlife-watching opportunities. Head out to any of these areas. Stop, watch, and listen. You'll be surprised at how many birds you'll see and hear!
Other birding resources & links:
As the weather warms up, cabin fever is setting in for many of us. While some of the more popular public areas are busier than ever, many of the less-known parks, wildlife areas and trails are waiting for new visitors.
Hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, hunting, foraging, birding, and many more great outdoor recreation opportunities abound along Western Skies Scenic Byway in western Iowa's Harrison, Shelby, Audubon and Guthrie counties. Most of the byway is within an hour of the Omaha and/or Des Moines metro, but just far enough that you can easily avoid the crowds you'll find in most urban and suburban parks and trails!. Please note that areas may have certain hours or closures (campgrounds, restrooms, and other facilities), so research before you go and explore. Check rules and regulations. Avoid groups ,practice social distancing, and stay home if you are or have recently been ill. Harrison County Desoto National Wildlife Refuge - This refuge includes hiking trails through a large wildlife refuge along the Missouri River. It’s a great place to see wildlife, especially waterfowl and other birds. Desoto refuge brochure & map.
Harrison County Welcome Center - In addition to an Iowa Welcome Center and historical village complex, this welcome center just outside Missouri Valley.
​Loess Hills State Forest (LHSF) & Preparation Canyon State Park- The state forest and park encompass nearly 12,000 acres over four units in Harrison and Monona counties, with dozens of miles of hiking-only trails.
Old Town Conservation Area - This area has about 10 miles of hiking trails through prairies and woodlands overlooking the Boyer and Missouri river valleys as well as the community of Missouri Valley.
Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area - Known best for a popular fishing hole, Sawmill Hollow has 155 acres of wooded Loess Hills and ridgetop prairie to explore. Sawmill Hollow map.
Schaben Park - Located near Dunlap in northeastern Harrison County, hiking trails surround a small pond through oak woodlands. Schaben Park trail map. ​ Willow Lake Recreation Area - 220-acre park near Woodbine, including popular lake and campgrounds. Hiking trails wind through Loess Hills prairies and around the lake. Willow Lake map. ​
Wilson Island Recreation Area - Adjacent to Desoto refuge, this 544-acre state-managed area has trails winding through floodplain woodlands near the Missouri River. ​
Shelby County
Dinesen Prairie State Preserve - This is one of the few prairie remnants (never plowed) in the Nishnabotna watershed. As a state preserve, it is permanently protected from any kind of development.
Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area - Beautiful wildlife area in southeastern Shelby County, with camping, hiking and more. ​​
Manteno Park - Set in the hills of Grove Township is the Shelby County Conservation Board's most popular area with a fishing lake, campgrounds, hiking, and more. ​
Nishna Bend Recreation Area - This park features 2 camping cabins, 18 campsites with modern shower building, 5 sandpit fishing ponds, river fishing, trails, and public hunting.
Oak Ridge Habitat Area - 94 acres of timber and prairie. This is a public hunting area that is managed for wildlife habitat. Petersen Wildlife Management Area - More than 450 acres of upland habitat in northern Shelby County. Prairie Rose State Park - Popular fishing and paddling lake with several miles of hiking trails through prairies, woods, and wetlands. ​ ![]()
Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail - This paved trail located primarily in Shelby County extends just into Pottawattamie County with a trailhead near the Shelby exit on Interstate 80. The trail runs west through woods, prairies, wetlands, and creeks and crosses Silver Creek on an historic Stone Arch Bridge.
​Rosenow Timber - 116 acres of timber in northwest Shelby County. ​
Schimerowski Park is a 12 acre park on the edge of Earling with a walking path, picnic shelter, restroom, playground, and wetland. Six Bee Tree Timber - 40 acres of timber located directly across the road to the east of Manteno Park. This is a public hunting area with a mowed trail loop going through it.
Audubon County
Littlefield Recreation Area - Audubon County's premier park includes a popular lake, campgrounds, hiking trails, and more. ​
T-Bone Recreational Trail - 21-mile paved recreational trail on a former rail line. The trail connects the communities of Audubon, Hamlin, Exira, and Brayton. ​
Guthrie County
Bays Branch Wildlife Area - Nearly 1,400 acres of upland and wetland habitat near Panora. Primarily a hunting area but great for wildlife- and bird-watching. Bennie Hall Wildlife Area - The 220-acre area lies adjacent to existing public land and created a 517-acre wildlife habitat complex. The area's primary use is as wildlife habitat for game and non-game species. Elk Grove Wildlife Management Area - 1,600-acre wooded wildlife area, primarily used for hunting but open to hiking and wildlife-watching. Lakin Slough Wildlife Management Area - More than 300 acres of wetland & upland habitat. Primarily used for hunting but also a great spot for wildlife viewing. Lenon Mill Park - Small park on the edge of Panora along Raccoon River including campgrounds and a river access near the Lenon Mill dam. ​
Marlowe Ray State Wildlife Area - 185 acres of timber habitat along the Middle Raccoon River.
McCord Pond Wildlife Management Area - Half marsh and half upland habitat, this 112-acre area is popular for hunting and wildlife viewing. Middle Raccoon River Wildlife Management Area - 1,305 acres of floodplain & upland timber and open fields. Montieth Wildlife Area - County park with 240 acres mainly used as a public hunting area.. Also includes hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities. Nations Bridge Park - 81-acre county park along the South Raccoon River with camping, hiking, river access, and more.
Raccoon River Valley Trail - This former railroad line is a scenic, paved trail linking metro Des Moines with small communities through eastern Guthrie County. ​
S.E. Robinson Wildlife Area - 110-acre wildlife area located along the Middle Raccoon River.
Sheeder Prairie State Preserve - 24-acre remnant (never-plowed) prairie near Guthrie Center. Springbrook State Park - This park near Guthrie Center includes a lake, campgrounds, and 12 miles of hiking trails. Sutcliffe Woodland - 55-acre oak-hickory area designated as a wildlife refuge. It offers a 31-post, self-guided interpretive nature trail, as well as picnicking, hiking, and pond fishing. ​ ​Whiterock Conservancy - 5,500 acre non-profit land trust that balances sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection and public recreation on the landscape. Located near Coon Rapids, Iowa, along seven miles of the Middle Raccoon River valley, Whiterock is open to the public every day for recreation and exploration. Iowa Western Community College Greenhouse Initiative receives Presidents' Engaged Campus Award4/16/2020 Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs has been awarded the Presidents' Engaged Campus Award for the Greenhouse Initiative, a partnership with several partners including Golden Hills. Golden Hills is excited and grateful to be part of this effort and congratulates Iowa Western and all our partners. Golden Hills is using space in the greenhouse for growing native prairie plants as part of our Prairie Seed project. Earlier this year, we had two educational workshops on campus with more than 40 people who learned about growing native plants. At the classes, we started seeds in the greenhouse and intend to have a native plant sale this spring. Learn more about the project and partners in this video. The Presidents’ Engaged Campus Awards recognize, celebrate, and tell the story of great individuals, projects, and programs in both Iowa and Minnesota. Through the presidents’ awards categories every campus has the opportunity to recognize students, faculty & staff, and partners leading the way in their campus community. We also have selective award categories to showcase innovation, collaboration, employer partnerships, and civic-minded alumni.
Nominations were submitted by member campuses and partners, and scored by independent reviewers. Twelve projects were selected for 2020 awards. The greenhouse initiative won in the category of Emerging Innovation: A recent project, program or initiative making unique and innnovative contributions that demonstrate strong future potential, including student-led projects. Learn more about the Presidents' Engaged Campus Awards here and read their official press release about 2020 awards. here. Below are a few photos of the classes and the plants currently growing in the greenhouse. Learn more about this project at goldenhillsrcd.org/prairieseed Hiking and walking are excellent ways to get outdoors and distance yourself from others. The Loess Hills Missouri River Region has many miles of beautiful public hiking and walking trails. Per CDC recommendations, avoid recreating in groups and leave more space than you think you need between yourself and others. The WanderLoess Backcountry Hikes page includes some of the more rugged and longer hikes in Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie counties. Golden Hills RC&D has also developed an online Loess Hills Hiking Guide with a map of places to hike throughout the seven-county Loess Hills region. This list expands on that and includes hiking trails and walking paths for all ages and abilities in the Loess Hills Missouri River region. Is your favorite hiking or walking trail missing? Let us know! Learn about other parks, trails, and much more in the region at WanderLoess.com. Other hiking resources to check out:
Arrowhead Park - Hiking trails wind through wooded hillsides around a beautiful pond popular for fishing and paddling. Arrowhead Park trails map. Botna Bend Park - Best known for live elk and bison, Botna Bend includes nature trails through prairies and woods along the West Nishnabotna River in Hancock. Botna Bend map. Council Bluffs trails - More than 40 miles of mostly-flat, paved trails connect the Missouri riverfront with Big Lake Park, Lake Manawa State Park, and much more. Council Bluffs trail map. Desoto National Wildlife Refuge - This refuge includes hiking trails through a large wildlife refuge along the Missouri River. It’s a great place to see wildlife, especially waterfowl and other birds. Desoto refuge brochure & map. Edgington Memorial Park, Avoca - Over a mile of paved, flat trails loop through this city park, along and across the East Branch of the West Nishnabotna River. Trails also connect into nearby neighborhoods. Map of Avoca trails. Fairmount Park - Fairmount is a hidden gem in the middle of the metro. This city park has a few miles of rugged hiking trails through wooded Loess Hills with scattered prairies and restored oak savanna overlooking Council Bluffs and the Omaha skyline. Map to Fairmount Park. Folsom Point Preserve - Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, this nearly-300 acre area features beautiful remnant prairies overlooking the Missouri River valley just minutes from Council Bluffs and Omaha. Hiking paths lead from the parking area to the ridgetop. Map to Folsom Point. Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve - Located just outside Glenwood, the 900-acre preserve includes paved trails through woods and prairies. Formerly known as Foothills Park, the site is known to have numerous archaeological sites from the prehistoric Glenwood culture. Map to the Glenwood preserve. Harrison County Welcome Center - In addition to an Iowa Welcome Center and historical village complex, this welcome center just outside Missouri Valley. Welcome Center map. Hitchcock Nature Center is Pottawattamie County’s premier hiking destination located near Honey Creek. It has 10 miles of trails through Loess Hills prairies, woodlands and savanna. Hitchcock trail map. Lewis & Clark Monument Park - With five miles of trails over 80 acres, this Council Bluffs city park features commanding views of the Missouri River, Council Bluffs, and downtown Omaha. The trails are also popular for mountain biking. Lewis & Clark park trail map. Loess Hills State Forest (LHSF) & Preparation Canyon State Park - The state forest and park encompass nearly 12,000 acres over four units in Harrison and Monona counties, with dozens of miles of hiking-only trails.
Mile Hill Lake - This park is located along Highway 34 near Glenwood and includes hiking paths through woods, prairies, and a marsh. The lake is popular for fishing and paddling. Map to Mile Hill Lake. Milliman Park - Logan city park with a short hiking trail. Milliman Park trail map. Oakland City Parks - Oakland has three city parks with popular walking trails. Chautauqua Park includes flat, paved trails near the West Nishnabotna River. Map to Chautauqua Park. Old Town Conservation Area - This area has about 10 miles of hiking trails through prairies and woodlands overlooking the Boyer and Missouri river valleys as well as the community of Missouri Valley. Old Town trail map. Pleasant View Park - Dunlap city park with short, ADA-accessible walking trail around a smal pond. Pleasant View Park trail map. Pony Creek Nature Center - Pony Creek features a popular lake, nature center, campgrounds, and rugged Loess Hills hiking trails through woods and prairies. Map to Pony Creek. Ray Thomas Wildlife Preserve - Mills County Conservation Board’s Ray Thomas Preserve in has a mowed walking path through woodlands and restored prairies in eastern Mills County. Map to Ray Thomas preserve. Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail - This paved trail located primarily in Shelby County extends just into Pottawattamie County with a trailhead near the Shelby exit on Interstate 80. The trail runs west through woods, prairies, wetlands, and creeks and crosses Silver Creek on an historic Stone Arch Bridge. Map to trailhead. Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area - Known best for a popular fishing hole, Sawmill Hollow has 155 acres of wooded Loess Hills and ridgetop prairie to explore. Sawmill Hollow map. Schaben Park - Located near Dunlap in northeastern Harrison County, hiking trails surround a small pond through oak woodlands. Schaben Park trail map. Smith Wildlife Area - This little-known wildlife area includes 175 wooded acres located immediately outside of Council Bluffs and is open to hiking throughout. Map to Smith Wildlife Area. Vincent Bluff State Preserve - A 42-acre remnant prairie in the middle of Council Bluffs with panoramic views of the city. A short footpath leads from the parking lot to the ridgetop. Map to Vincent Bluff. Wabash Trace Nature Trail - This crushed limestone trail follows a former railroad line from Council Bluffs to Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, and beyond. It’s also popular with bicyclists. Trailheads are located in each community. Wabash Trace trail map. West Oak Forest - Hike up steep Loess Hills bluffs overlooking the Missouri River valley between Glenwood and Council Bluffs. More than three miles of trails through woodlands and remnant prairies. Map to West Oak Forest. Wheeler Grove Conservation Area - This 247-acre wildlife area in eastern Pottawattamie County has prairies, oak savanna, and woodlands to explore along Jordan Creek. Map to Wheeler Grove.
Willow Lake Recreation Area - 220-acre park near Woodbine, including popular lake and campgrounds. Hiking trails wind through Loess Hills prairies and around the lake. Willow Lake map. Wilson Island Recreation Area - Adjacent to Desoto refuge, this 544-acre state-managed area has trails winding through floodplain woodlands near the Missouri River. Wilson Island trail map. In addition to all these great places, take a hike through your yard, farm, or neighborhood. Stop and listen to birds and other wildlife. Look for wildflowers, mosses, and lichens. You’ll be amazed at how much there is to see and do right here in our region! Outdoor recreation, specifically bicycling, is a great way to stay healthy. Riding solo is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you encounter others on the trail, maintain as much distance as possible; even much more than 6-feet. Note that many public restrooms and drinking fountains are closed to the public, as are campgrounds and many businesses. Come prepared with everything you might need on a ride (bring extra water and snacks!) and hit the restroom before you leave. Take hand sanitizer, avoid touching surfaces, and don't touch your face. If you have symptoms, stay home. Wash your hands, shower as soon, and change clothes as you get home.
With this in mind, realize that our region has great trails and many low-traffic roads and streets. Check out the resources below to find a place to ride!
Always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws. Brightly-colored and high-visibility clothing are recommended, especially at dusk or after dark. Lights are required between sunset and sunrise. Check out Golden Hills' bicycling resources page for more information on safe bicycling habits and practices. Stay safe and healthy, and have fun out there! 2019 was an exciting year for Golden Hills RC&D, with several new projects and programs. Check out our annual report below, or click the image to download a pdf version.
![]() As we kick off the new year (& new decade), you may be thinking about a New Year's Resolution or finding new things to do in western Iowa. Golden Hills can help! Satisfy wanderlust with WanderLoess - The Loess Hills Missouri River Region of Mills, Pottawattamie, and Harrison counties offers countless recreational and cultural activities. We help coordinate this regional initiative. Find them all at WanderLoess.com. Take a hike - Our Loess Hills Hiking Guide includes information about hiking trails in the beautiful Loess Hills. For a long, rugged hike, check out Brent's Trail, which just opened in 2019. Take the scenic route - Get off the freeway and see our small towns. Golden Hills coordinates three of Iowa's Byways. Western Skies Scenic Byway parallels Interstate 80, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway is a great alternative to Interstate 29, and Glacial Trail Scenic Byway is an easy weekend getaway in northwest Iowa. Cure cabin fever with a cabin stay- Several state parks and county parks offer cabin rentals, including some year-round. The Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins in Monona County are a privately owned business near the Loess Hills State Forest. Golden Hills is working with several partners to add new cabins at Willow Lake, Arrowhead, and Pony Creek in 2020. Support local farmers - Check out a farmers market, join a CSA, or find local food producers in your neighborhood with our Southwest Iowa Local Food Guide. Go for a bike ride - Golden Hills is helping our small towns and rural areas become more bikeable. We coordinate the regional Frontier Iowa Trails network, work to expand bike routes, and help educate people about safe bicycling. Each September, we host the annual Loess Hills Parks & Peaks Bicycle Tour. In 2020, we are also planning a bike ride as part of the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar. Visit Fremont County's - Check out the abundant prairies, wetlands, hills, and rivers of southwest Iowa through our Fremont County Outdoor Adventures programs. Go paddling - The West Nishnabotna Water Trail in eastern Pottawattamie County is the only state-designated water trail in our part of the state. Golden Hills helped establish the water trail and is currently working with DNR to extend the designation into Shelby County. Many other rivers and lakes also have paddling accesses. We also have educational programs and floats through our Explore Your Watershed events. Grow native plants - Learn how to harvest prairie seed and grow native flowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees through our Growing Natives and Native Oak Project workshops. Go hunting - As a partner with the Southwest Iowa Communities for Pheasants and Farmers Initiative, we are working to expand wildlife habitat and public access for hunting. Support local artists - The Southwest Iowa Art Tour is held every September in multiple communities throughout the region. Waubonsie State Park hosts artists in residence during the winter, with public programs by each artist. Improve water quality - Learn how to build a rain garden. Install a prairie strip. Landowners and farmers in the Nishnabotna watershed may even be eligible for cost-share for conservation practices. Learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you, your business, organization, or community. Explore the Golden Hills website and check back often to learn about all the projects and programs happening across the region throughout the year! Celebrate the Loess Hills during Loess Hills & Heritage Week, September 21-29, at a variety of events throughout western Iowa’s Loess Hills counties. During this week, individuals can escape from the hustle and bustle of work life and enjoy western Iowa’s Loess Hills. This week will showcase the unique geological, topographical, archeological, and other distinct aspects of the Loess hills, including their special plants, animals, and history.
Events span to several western counties in Iowa: Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills, and Fremont. Some events during the week include the Southwest Iowa Art Tour, prairie seed harvest activities, Woodbine Applefest, Loess Hills Music Festival, and many more. A complete listing of events can be found at http://www.visitloesshills.org/LHHW. The Loess Hills (pronounced “Luss”), meaning loose or crumbly, is one of Iowa’s important natural resources, ranging 640,000 Acres, across Western Iowa. According to the Nonprofit Scenic America, these hills have unique plant and animal species and native Iowa prairie, making the Loess Hills one of the 10 ten most scenic byways in the United States. Loess Hills & Heritage Week is coordinated by Golden Hills RC&D, with support from Bill Blackburn and many other local partners. |
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Address712 South Highway Street
P.O. Box 189 Oakland, IA 51560 |
ContactPhone: 712-482-3029
General inquiries: [email protected] Visit our Staff Page for email addresses and office hours. |