Whiterock Conservancy

07/22/2026

This weekend marks the 8th Annual Whiterock Ultra, a 50 mile and 50k race at Whiterock Conservancy! Thank you to the incredible organizers, runners and volunteers!

Please be advised that trails will not be closed, but all users should be aware of this event and respect all runners as they complete their race.

For more information, please visit:
https://whiterockultra.com/

07/21/2026

Have you heard the buzz? 🐝

The prairies at Whiterock are in full bloom! Now is the perfect time to visit our native, restored and rare sand prairies! As one of the largest private restoration efforts in the state, this ecological restoration and preservation is critical habitat for Iowa.

Both our restored and native prairies play a vital role with key differences between the two.

Native prairies have existed in their original, undisturbed form for thousands of years, with deep-rooted native plants adapted to local soils, climate and wildlife. Native prairies are ecologically intact, supporting native pollinators, birds and other wildlife while playing key roles in carbon storage, soil health, and water retention and filtration.

Restored prairies have been converted from agricultural fields and other disturbed sites back to a grassland ecosystem. They are designed to closely mimic native prairie by using a diverse mix of native grasses and forbs adapted to the local region. Restoration often involves removing invasive species and reseeding with native plants. The goal is to recreate the plant diversity, structure, and ecological functions of a native prairie, but the process is artificial and may take decades to reach full ecological maturity.

07/15/2026

Don't miss our last FREE STEM Adventure of 2026, happening this Saturday!

NEW this year - STEM SUMMER ADVENTURES!!

Whiterock is excited to bring new ways to learn and grow at Whiterock Conservancy through our FREE STEM summer adventures!

Join us for some science fun! Register for 1 or more of these FREE events by calling 712-790-8221 x1 or emailing [email protected].

07/11/2026

Sneak Peak Alert 👀

Whiterock was excited to film digital marketing content this summer to build brand recognition and increase eco and ag tourism, thanks in part to the Carroll County Foundation grant!

Stay tuned for the release of these clips! We can't wait for you to see them!

A huge thank you to our amazing and talented volunteers and to Bruce Bales and crew from BUFFALOBUNNY productions for an incredible experience!

07/07/2026

Feeling snappy with all this heat? 🐢

Think cool thoughts and beat the summer heat at Whiterock Conservancy! Our kayak and canoe rentals are a great way to spend these long, hot summer days!

Click below to reserve your kayak or canoe!
https://www.whiterockconservancy.org/equipment-rentals

**Snapping Turtles are Iowa's largest turtle species, highly aquatic and often found in ponds, rivers and marshes. They are known for their aggressive behavior on land, but underwater they usually try to swim away when threatened. During winter, they hibernate underwater, using oxygen from the water to survive for up to 100 days!!**

07/02/2026

Your friendly reminder that fireworks are NOT allowed at Whiterock Conservancy. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

07/01/2026

Our Summer Newsletter is out NOW!

Check out all of your summer obsessions at Whiterock!
https://www.whiterockconservancy.org/newsletter

06/29/2026

What place in Iowa makes you stop and look?

This summer, DECLARATIONS invites you to discover art in unexpected places across Central and Southwest Iowa. Through installations, storytelling, and community participation, we'll explore the landscapes, histories, and connections that shape us.

Follow along as we reveal artists, locations, and events throughout the summer.



Pause. Look closer. Stay awhile.

Art is popping up in unexpected places across Iowa this summer.

Beginning July 1, visitors to Whiterock Conservancy can experience Markers and Deep Roots, a site-specific installation of collaborative ceramic sculptures by artists Sue and Jim Heemstra. Located along the Steve Garst Trail, the installation features brightly colored sculptural forms that engage the prairie landscape and invite reflection on the connections between people, place, and history. Through walking, observation, and encounter, visitors are encouraged to consider how landscapes hold stories, histories, and traces of those who have passed through them.

06/26/2026

Whiterock is proud to once again partner with the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program this summer and welcome Shelby!

The Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program is a state-funded initiative that places licensed secondary STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers in local businesses, agencies, and industries for a six‑week summer externship.

The purpose and goals of the program aim to connect classroom STEM content to real‑world applications in Iowa’s workforce.

Build partnerships between schools and local STEM employers.

Give teachers hands‑on experience with current industry practices.

Provide students with career exposure and role models from local industries.

Shelby is working on a strategic goal of Whiterock's to review and update our species list inventory in diverse habitat locations, focusing on birds, insects and mammals.

06/22/2026

Whiterock Conservancy is excited to partner with the Iowa DNR to host an automated radio telemetry receiver called the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, that tracks the migration movements of birds and bats across the state.

Most activity will occur during the spring and fall migration, so make sure to check back on our MOTUS data later this year!

You can also check out other sites across Iowa and beyond!
https://motus.org/dashboard/ =profile&d=stations&s=16217