2016
ANNUAL
REPORT IOWA NAT U R A L HER I TAGE F OUNDATION
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Iowa Natural Heritage
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PHOTO: DANIEL RUF
Iowa land protected in 2016 Your membership and gifts to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation truly do expand land, water and wildlife conservation in Iowa. INHF worked with landowners, members and partners to permanently protect more than 7,300 acres at 65 locations across the state in 2016. A majority of our 2016 land projects are — or will eventually be — lands open to the public where everyone can explore and enjoy their natural features. Those projects are or will be owned and managed by the Iowa DNR or one of Iowa’s 99 county conservation boards. Seventeen projects in 2016 were conservation easements — agreements between landowners and INHF that permanently protect land and its special features — preserving landowner use and ownership. These voluntary agreements are permanent, with INHF visiting the sites annually to ensure compliance with current and future landowners. Eight landowners donated their land to INHF, entrusting us with its long-term care. Five of these donors used the reserved life estate method, in which they retain lifetime use of the land while transferring ownership to INHF. Sites owned by INHF may be shared with the public through work days, tours and other events. Learn more about land protection options at IowaLandOptions.org.
7,245 acres protected. 66 land projects.
CO N S E RVAT IO N F E AT URE S LE GE ND Woodlands Agricultural land
Prairies/Grassland
Wetlands
Conservation Easements Clarke County
208-acre conservation easement at the headwaters of West Lake in Clarke County. The property includes a 23-acre wetland that provides significant water quality benefits to the lake – Osceola’s main drinking water source – and excellent wildlife habitat. Donated by John and Susan Aschenbrenner.
Clayton County
31-acre conservation easement protects woodland along the Turkey River in central Clayton County. The property supports several plant and animal species, including mosses, ferns, land snails and yellow lady slipper orchids. Donated by Harold and Deanna Krambeer.
Dickinson County
163-acre conservation easement protects native prairie remnants, restored wetlands and grasslands on the east shore of West Lake Okoboji. Protects water quality, open space and scenic beauty in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Donated by Ann and Sig Anderson.
Dickinson County
7-acre conservation easement protects open space adjacent to West Lake Okoboji. The property includes reconstructed prairie and a small wetland created for waterfowl. Donated by five conservation-minded coowners.
Linn County
15-acre conservation easement protects wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and open space. The property is located near Wickiup Hill Natural Area and adjacent to another INHF-held conservation easement. Donated by Kenneth and Shirley Andrews.
Linn County
80-acre conservation easement near Wickiup Hill Natural Area. Perennial grass, wildlflowers and woodland cover provide excellent wildlife habitat and enhance water quality in the Cedar River watershed. Donated by Ace and Polly Aossey.
Linn County
60-acre conservation easement protects prairie and wetland reconstruction, grassland and woodland near Wickiup Hill Natural Area and Learning Center near Cedar Rapids. Permanently protects wildlife habitat, open space and scenic beauty. Donated by Dale Peterson.
Linn County
Park
Streams/Rivers
Trail
124-acre conservation easement on a fourth-generation family farm owned by Indian Creek Nature Center. The property includes woodland, oak savanna, restored prairie and agricultural fields. The easement protects
open space and allows for the expansion of sustainable agriculture and local foods programs. In partnership with Indian Creek Nature Center.
Lucas County
72-acre conservation easement adjacent to and buffering Stephens State Forest. The easement is located in a Bird Conservation Area and protects reconstructed native prairie, wetlands and bottomland tree species that provide excellent wildlife habitat. Donated by Richard (Kim) and Marsha Francisco.
Marion County
313-acre conservation easement protects agricultural lands and preserves open space in Marion County. Donated by Charlotte Shivvers, Martha Skillman and the late Marietta Carr, the daughters of L.C. (John) and Vera Shivvers, pioneers of sustainable agriculture, innovative farming practices and soil conservation.
Marion & Monroe counties
70-acre conservation easement protects re-wilded landscape that includes a mixture of grassland, restored prairie, riparian and upland woodland and a couple of ponds. The easement protects wildlife habitat, open space and buffers other protected properties. Donated by Mike DeCook.
Poweshiek County
40-acre conservation easement protects oak woodland in the Iowa River valley within the Iowa River Bird Conservation Area. Preserves wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and open space. Donated by Jack Flatt.
Winneshiek County
8-acre conservation easement protects riparian woodland habitat in a Protected Water Area along the Upper Iowa River. Expands and buffers other protected land in the area.
Winneshiek County
34-acre conservation easement on a high ridge between the Upper Iowa River and Canoe Creek northeast of Decorah. Easement protects native woodland and reconstructed prairie, grassland and woodland. Donated by Dennis and Janet Haller.
Winneshiek County
INHF sold 23 acres in Winneshiek County to a private landowner with a conservation easement in place on the property. The conservation easement protects woodland along the Upper Iowa River adjacent to the Upper Iowa River WMA.
Winneshiek County
INHF sold 60.5 acres in Winneshiek County to a private landowner with a conservation easement in place on the property. The conservation easement protects a stretch of the Upper Iowa River between Kendallville and Bluffton, one of the most used parts of the river. inhf.o r g
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Conservation Easements (con’t) Marion County, Missouri
185-acre conservation easement in Hannibal, Mo. The preserve features recreational trails and provides important hibernating habitat for an estimated 168,000 federally endangered Indiana bats. In partnership with the City of Hannibal.
on 56 acres in the Squaw Creek valley. The property includes restored prairie, riparian and woodland habitats, which provide important water quality and wildlife habitat benefits.
Public land protection projects Yellow River State Forest Addition
Land donations to INHF Chickasaw County
G.C. Farms donated a 1-acre inholding in the Upper Wapsi WMA. This made whole the 556acre natural area, which provides habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Green Pastures
Ann and Sig Anderson donated 163 acres of native prairie remnants, restored wetlands and grasslands on the east shore of West Lake Okoboji. Protects water quality, open space and scenic beauty in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Jefferson County
David and Sheri Neff donated 36 acres of restored wetlands and grassland habitat just outside Fairfield. The property is bisected by Fairfield Loop Trail, a 16-mile trail encircling the city.
Linn County
Cindy and Kevin Burke donated 80 acres of woodland, tree plantings and grassland with a reserved life estate. The property is located in an area with a long history of conservation, wildlife diversity and scenic vistas.
Lucas County
Leo Schlunz donated 95 acres of woodlands, riparian woodlands, reconstructed wetlands and remnant prairie with a reserved life estate. The land provides excellent wildlife habitat for at least 15 Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Mahaska County
Formed by 20 shareholders who share a common vision for land protection and stewardship, Pleasant Grove Land Preservation, Inc., donated 80 acres with a reserved life estate. The land includes oak and hickory woodland, prairie and grassland that provide wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.
Pocahantas County
Sedan Bottoms WMA Addition
Kuehn Conservation Area Addition
54-acre addition to Kuehn Conservation Area in Dallas County. The area has a rich Native American history, and offers excellent educational and recreation opportunities. (Dallas CCB)
Soap Creek WMA Addition
Wapsi River Greenbelt Addition
Dickinson County
38 acres of unplowed pasture adjacent to the Wapsi River Greenbelt in Bremer County. The region is home to the Iowa’s largest population of Massasauga rattlesnakes, a state endangered species. (Bremer CCB)
Roberts Wildlife Area
110 acres of woodland and grassland in a Bird Conservation Area along the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Protection increases and connects public land along the river, one of Iowa’s five Protected Water Areas. (Buchanan CCB)
Butler County
36 acres of prairie, pasture and rare remnant wetlands in Butler County. The land provides quality wildlife habitat for migratory birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and natural water filtration and groundwater replenishment. (Butler CCB)
Butler County
361 acres in Butler County being restored to include native grasses and wetlands. The property includes upland habitat that benefits wildlife during frequent high water events in the area. (Iowa DNR)
Big Marsh WMA Addition
4 acres of riparian woodland habitat near the West Fork of the Cedar River in Butler County with oxbows throughout. The land is located within another protected property and provides quality habitat for Blandings and Wood turtles. (Iowa DNR)
Story County
Elk Lake Addition
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96 acres of dense woodland and pasture. Provides important wildlife habitat and buffers other protected properties in Clayton County. (Iowa DNR)
150-acre woodland addition to Soap Creek in Davis County. The forests on the land provide quality breeding-habitat for Indiana Bats, Eastern whip-poor-wills and other wildlife. (Iowa DNR)
Cherokee County
Iowa Natural Heritage
Bloody Run WMA Addition
291 acres of woodland and wetlands located within a Bird Conservation Area in Appanoose County. Expands protected wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities. (Iowa DNR)
Helen Gunderson donated 180 acres of cropland to INHF with a reserved life estate. The donation contains 90 acres of transitioning organic cropland and 77 acres of pollinator habitat. Helen is passionate about local foods, encouraging women farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Dick Van Deusen and Dave Hughes, both of the Ames area, donated a reserved life estate
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91 acres of woodland, ridges, valleys and open space buffering Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County. (Owned and managed by Iowa DNR)
Will be restored to prairie to enhance lake restoration efforts. (Iowa DNR)
34 acres of predominantly remnant prairie in Cherokee County. The land is located within the Waterman Prairie Complex, a unique area with a high concentration of remnant prairie. (Owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, managed by Iowa DNR) 58 acres of pasture and cropland with 1,200 feet of shoreline on Elk Lake in Clay County.
40 acres adjoining Christopherson Slough Complex and Superior Marsh in Dickinson County. Protection will create a contiguous block of wildlife habitat. (Iowa DNR)
Diamond Lake WMA Addition
13 acres of prairie and wetland located within Diamond Lake Wildlife Management Area in Dickinson County. The land will expand wildlife habitat. (Dickinson CCB)
Four Mile Lake WMA Addition
138 acres, including 3,400 feet of lake shoreline, adjacent to Four Mile Lake In Dickinson County. Protection preserves water quality and improves habitat. (Iowa DNR)
Reed’s Run WMA
43 acres of restored wetlands and prairie on the east side of Big Spirit Lake along the Dickinson County Trail System. Protection provides important water quality benefits. (Dickinson CCB)
Farragut Trail
4 miles of trail corridor in Fremont County between Farragut and Highway 2 near Shenandoah. The connection will eventually link the two towns with the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, a 63-mile trail that runs from Council Bluffs to Blanchard.
Militia Hollow WMA
90 acres of pristine Loess Hills prairie and Bur oak woodland located within Waubonsie Special Landscape Area and adjacent to Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County. (Iowa DNR)
Greene County
78 acres of riverine habitat in Greene County along the North Raccoon River offering water filtration and flood retention benefits, as well as habitat for reptiles and amphibians. (Iowa DNR)
Boone Forks WMA Addition
187 acres of woodland and cropland adjoining
Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area in Story County. Photo by Nathan Houck
Boone Forks WMA in Hamilton County along the Boone River. (Iowa DNR)
Iowa County
83 acres located within the Iowa River Corridor WMA. The land has been restored to native vegetation and provides quality habitat for grassland birds such as Bobolink, Grasshopper’s Sparrow and Northern Harrier. (Iowa DNR)
Prairie City - Mitchellville Trail
Indian Village State Preserve, a 6-acre parcel featuring archaeological sites dating from 1200-1300. (Iowa DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Virgin Lake WMA Addition
6-acre addition to Virgin Lake located within a Bird Conservation Area in Palo Alto County. Protection ensures the continuation and expansion of grassland cover in the watershed. (Iowa DNR)
129 acres of trail corridor. Extends the existing Jasper County Trail to create a 16.35-mile continuous corridor connecting the communities of Monroe, Prairie City and Mitchellville. (Jasper County and City of Prairie City)
Palo Alto County
Heritage Hills
Palo Alto County
1,021 acres of woodland, savanna, remnant prairie and cropland near the Des Moines metro in Madison and Clarke Counties. Protection will preserve natural land provide significant recreation opportunities. (Iowa DNR)
Mahaska County
34 acres of restored wetland along the West Fork of the Des Moines River in Palo Alto County. Protection will preserve wildlife habitat and water quality improvements. (Iowa DNR) 185 acres including remnant wet meadow, remnant prairie and 1.25 miles of Silver Lake shoreline in Palo Alto County. Protection will expand prairie reconstruction and wetland restoration. (Iowa DNR)
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Addition
185 acres of riparian woodland, upland woodland and cropland in Mahaska County being restored to expand habitat for turkeys, deer, pheasant, waterfowl, fox and birds. (Iowa DNR)
73 acres of predominantly row-crop adjacent to the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt being restored to native vegetation to reduce soil loss and provide upland habitat. (Polk CCB)
Mahaska County
Oakland Trail
40 acres in the North Skunk River floodplain in Mahaska County. The land includes quality riparian woodland that provides habitat for turkeys, deer, waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians. (Iowa DNR)
Northern Oaks Wildlife Area
35 acres of oak woodland and pasture in northern Mitchell County. Protection benefits several species including Northern harrier, Red-headed woodpecker and Tiger salamander. (Mitchell CCB)
Waterman Prairie Addition
153 acres of remnant prairie, sedge meadow and former cropland adjacent to Wittrock
Nearly 22 acres (1.86 miles) in Pottawattamie County identified as a potential segment of the future Pedal-Paddle Trail. The 21-mile multi-use trail could connect Macedonia, Carson, Oakland, Hancock and Avoca and run parallel to the Nishnabotna Water Trail.
Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area
175 acres along the South Skunk River in Story County that includes woodland, oak savanna and several oxbows ripe with restoration potential. (Story CCB)
Hendrickson Marsh WMA Addition
36-acre addition to Hendrickson Marsh in Story County being restored to native prairie
to benefit water quality, habitat and hunting lands. (Iowa DNR)
Rubio Access Addition
53 acres of wetland along the Skunk River in Washington County. The property lies on a 72-mile water trail from Keokuk to Henry, and benefits water quality, recreation and wildlife habitat. (Iowa DNR)
Carlson Recreation Area Addition
51 acres of oak savanna pasture adjacent to Carlson Recreation Area in Webster County. Permanent protection ensures continued habitat for a variety of wildlife. (Webster CCB)
Winnebago County
92 acres being restored to wetlands as part of a larger restoration of a 130-acre wetland basin in Winnebago County. Once restored, the land will provide excellent migratory bird habitat. (Iowa DNR)
Winnebago County
612 acres along the Minnesota/Iowa border in Winnebago County being restored to native vegetation and wetland basins to benefit water quality, reduce flooding downstream and expand wildlife habitat. (Iowa DNR)
Winnebago County
21-acre addition to the Pilot Knob Waterfowl Production Area in Winnebago County. Ensures continued protection of native vegetation and quality habitat for neotropical migratory birds. (Iowa DNR)
Worth County
158 acres of restored wetland and uplands in the prairie pothole region of north central Iowa. The land provides important wildlife habitat for waterfowl and wetland birds. (Iowa DNR)
Wright County
100 acres of native grasses, wildflowers, riparian woodland and restored oxbow wetlands provide a wildlife corridor along White Fox Creek in Iowa County. The property also provides significant water quality benefits. (Wright CCB) inhf.o r g
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FINANCIAL REPORT
YOUR MONEY
AT WORK in 2016
EF F IC IEN CY 96 percent: projects and services
Less than 3 percent: organizational support
Less than 2 percent: fundraising
Together, We Have Greater Impact 10 devoted Iowans donated legacy gifts totaling $116,000. Their vision and commitment will have a lasting impact.
Public conservation agencies provided more than $12 million toward partnership land protection projects.
Landowners generously donated land, conservation easements or land value totaling $8.3 million.
1,225 donors gave nearly $1.4 million to specific land projects and programs they value most.
5,558 members provided $1.1 million in unrestricted core support for our mission. These essential funds make all of our services possible. Many volunteers are part of the INHF action in non-financial ways — donating professional skills, leading nature hikes, organizing partnership projects and speaking out on behalf of Iowa conservation when their voices are needed. Thank you! 28
Iowa Natural Heritage
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At least 96 percent of your gift directly supports Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation projects and services. INHF is one of the most efficient and mission-focused nonprofits you’ll find anywhere!
In 2016, we made a $25 million impact for Iowa’s land, water and wildlife through INHF!
YOUR CONSERVATION PARTNERS
INHF STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our dedicated board members provide invaluable strategic leadership, approving our projects and ensuring our strong fiscal management.
Joe McGovern President
Jodi Baker
Finance Director
Ross Baxter Land Projects Director
Andrea Boulton
Trails and Greenways Director
Jered Bourquin
Blufflands Assistant
CHAIR David Mackaman Des Moines 1ST VICE CHAIR Susan Shullaw Iowa City 2ND VICE CHAIR Garth Adams Des Moines
Brian Fankhauser Blufflands Director
Cheri Grauer
Donor Relations Director
Diane Graves Administrative Assistant
Erin Griffin
Development and Events Specialist
Abby Hade Terpstra
Development Specialist
SECRETARY Donald Beneke Pocahontas TREASURER Wendy Wiedner West Des Moines PRESIDENT Joe McGovern Des Moines
Katy Heggen
Lisa Hein
Joe Jayjack
Heather Jobst
Melanie Louis
Stacy Nelson
Anita O’Gara Vice President
Andrea Piekarczyk
Mary Runkel
Tylar Samuels
Grants Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Kerri Sorrell
Tim Sproul
Erin Van Waus
Kari Walker
Communications Consultant
Donor Services Manager
Ryan Schmidt
Land Stewardship Director
Senior Director for Conservation Programs
Communications Specialist
INTERNS College student interns work alongside staff, lending their energy, ideas and talents to help bring about real conservation progress for Iowa.
Communications Director
Loess Hills Land Conservation Consultant
BLUFFLANDS LAND STEWARDSHIP INTERNS
Karyl Clarete Winnipeg, MB, Canada Ryan Crum Mt. Horeb, WI James Ostile Decorah, IA Eric Young Lowden, IA STATEWIDE LAND STEWARDSHIP INTERNS
Katelyn Behounek Chelsea, IA
Senior Land Conservation Director
Conservation Easement Director
Land Stewardship Associate
Conservation Easement Specialist
Administration Director
Austin Chipps Ankeny, IA Taylor Didesch Chillicothe, IL Riley Dunn Martensdale, IA Nick Jackosky Lakewood, OH Sean Kenan Grand Junction, IA Michael Parker Dike, IA
Peg Armstrong-Gustafson Waukee Stan Askren Muscatine Woodward G. Brenton Des Moines David Brown Des Moines Cindy Burke Central City Michael Daugherty Cedar Rapids Mike DeCook Lovilia Paul Easter Des Moines Vern Fish Waterloo John Fisher Des Moines John Gray Sioux City Greg Grupp Dakota Dunes, SD Rob Hall Harlan Neil Hamilton Waukee Kirsten Heine Decorah Thomas Hoff Iowa City Robert Jester Des Moines Christopher Lindell Marion Jan Lovell Clear Lake Liz Neumann Des Moines Scott Raecker Des Moines Richard Ramsay Des Moines Carole Reichardt Clive Susan Salterberg Iowa City Travis Young Waterloo
Sara Vettleson-Trutza Spring Grove, MN Abby Walling Iowa City, IA OFFICE INTERNS
Communications Katie Bandurski Madison, WI Sarah LeBlanc Verona, WI
Graphic Design Kelsea Graham Kansas City, MO Trails Jared Morford Ames, IA Grant Writing Jessica Riebkes Clough Cedar Falls, IA
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