Natural Beauty

By Kerri Sorrell, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

The Nature Conservancy’s Clausen’s Cove

— In January 2008, Max Clausen of Clear Lake donated his 249 acres of land — including undeveloped lake shoreline, oak savannas and farmland — to The Nature Conservancy to protect Clear Lake’s water quality and resources while preserving the scenic open space for the community. The Nature Conservancy permits passive use of the property including anchoring boats, swimming, hiking, bird watching, natural resource interpretation, environmental education, scientific research and scenic enjoyment. There will be a staged restoration of the agricultural farmland to native plant communities.

Woodford-Ashland Lone Tree Point Nature

Area and Sisters’ Prairie — This privately owned area includes a total of 291 acres of woodlands, wetlands, restored prairie and a mile of wild and scenic shoreline. The Nature Area provides habitat for bald eagles, owls, herons, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, red fox and a plethora of birds. Wildflowers carpet the woodlands in the spring. Owners are restoring an oak savanna on the west side of the property. The owners placed conservation easements on the properties to ensure they can never be developed. In 1992, the family donated the easement for the nature area to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Owners continue to maintain and manage the area, and it remains on the tax rolls, but public access is allowed for non-consumptive uses such as bird watching, hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife observation and photography. Visitors are asked to take litter with them, stay on footpaths and observe prohibited uses of campfires, hunting/trapping and motorized vehicles so the natural integrity of the area will be maintained. In 2003, work began on the Sisters’ Prairie restoration project of over 190 acres. The wetlands and prairie habitat have a significant impact on lake water quality by filtering nutrients and sedimentation from surrounding farmland. It also provides excellent wildlife habitat. The family worked with the Cerro Gordo County office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure permanent protection as a Wetland Restoration Project. The family donated an easement to the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board for a 1.1-mile bike trail, which meanders through the prairie. The farm and the prairie continue to be privately owned, so bicyclists and hikers are asked to stay on the trail.

Cerro Gordo Wind Farm — 10586 Balsam Ave. An educational kiosk explains how wind is harvested as a sustainable energy source in north Iowa.

Hoffman Prairie — At the intersection of Balsam Avenue and Highway 18 (north of the McIntosh Wildlife Area). The 37-acre example of a wet, tallgrass prairie is dotted with beautiful wildflowers in the spring and home to 150 plant species and rare butterflies. The Nature Conservancy purchased it from Larry Hoffman in 1985 and it was dedicated as a biological and geological preserve in 1986.

Clear Lake Area Outdoor Classroom — 901 S. Fourth St. People of all ages can enjoy this accessible 2.5-acre learning center adjacent to Clear Creek Elementary School. Pathways lead through prairie, woodlands and wetland areas. Here is the place to view the majestic trumpeter swans in the spring, summer and autumn. Birdhouses, bat and butterfly houses add to the attractions as well as a hibernaculum for reptiles.

Ventura Cove — One of the last undeveloped lake shorelines and 26 acres of woodlands and wetlands was preserved in July 2006, thanks to a partnership between private and public donors, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A massive cleanup was done by volunteers and the cities of Clear Lake and Ventura and CL Tel. The INHF provided an easement to the Cerro Gordo Recreational Trails Association which raised money to construct a scenic bike trail through the woodlands. After the $1.7 million was raised, the property was transferred to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Wild turkeys, bald eagles and deer can often be seen here. Woodford Island — Scenic Woodford Island is a 3-acre island managed primarily for wildlife habitat and is an excellent spot for fishing.

Bluebill Wildlife Area — A 62-acre parcel purchased from the Iowa Department of Transportation in 2002, this area features a 40-acre “borrow” lake stocked for fishing. Acquisition was financed by a private contribution (Rita and Al Goranson), a grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources “Fish Habitat Stamp program” (35 percent of total cost) and Cerro Gordo County Conservation “REAP” and land acquisition account funds. Located on the east side of Indigo Avenue, southeast of Clear Lake.

Lon Whitney Wildlife Sanctuary — Junction of Lee and Bayside, Clear Lake. This unique woodlot was donated by the estate of Lon Whitney and is managed as an urban wildlife area.

Winter Garden Park — 1220 N. 16th St. W. A thick layer of peat moss shows this 70-acre area was once a glacial lake-bed, deep beneath the waters of Clear Lake. It is a popular sledding area and provides hikers panoramic views of the Grant Wood-like Iowa landscape to the north.

Zirbel Slough — 8447 200th St. This 330-acre example of the prairie marshes that once dotted the country provides habitat for a tremendous variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other wildlife.

DNR Aquarium — Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 1203 N. Shore Drive. Get up close and personal with fish from Clear Lake. Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday from mid to late April (depending on the lake ice-out date) until Oct. 15. DNR staff catch the fish for the display each spring and release them before the lake freezes over. Call 357-3517 for more information.Photo by Greg Duesenberg

Photo by Greg Duesenberg