Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

10/09/2026

Harvest season is officially here - not just for corn and beans… but prairie, too 🌾

10/07/2026

You’ve seen us talking about the public prairie seed harvest events on our calendar this fall, but did you know we also harvest prairie seed with a combine?

Derek was out last Friday in central Iowa checking to see if the prairie was primed and ready… stay tuned to find out what this week will hold 🚜

10/06/2026

The Iowa Nature Summit brings together the people working to protect, restore, and strengthen Iowa's natural heritage. Through inspiring speakers, practical discussions, and meaningful collaboration, attendees leave with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and renewed optimism for Iowa's future.

INHF looks forward to again joining Iowa's leading conservationists, scientists, farmers, policymakers, educators, and nature advocates for two days of meaningful conversations about the future of Iowa's natural resources.

The Summit's a little bit more than a month away and there's some good news for Iowa's outdoors. 🌱

On Day 1 of the Iowa Nature Summit, Joe McGovern, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, will speak on "New Nature Projects for Iowans to Enjoy." It'll be a chance to hear about the places and projects creating new opportunities to experience Iowa's natural spaces.

Join us at Drake University's Olmsted Center and start the Summit off with some good news for nature in Iowa.

📅 Wednesday, November 18 | 9:00am-9:20am

🎫 EARLY BIRD PRICING STILL AVAILABLE; REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/IowaNatureSummit2026

🌿 Iowa Nature Summit | November 18-19, 2026 | Drake University

10/01/2026

The northern lights dance over the INHF-owned Heritage Valley in Allamakee County. INHF protected Heritage Valley's 1,182 acres in 2007 so that scenes like this can live on across its oak-hickory woodlands, steep goat prairies and the three miles of Upper Iowa River coursing through the valley.

📸 photo by Brian Gibbs

09/26/2026

Whether it's a bike ride down your favorite trail, scouting for the upcoming hunting season or enjoying scenic surroundings with friends or family, we hope you enjoy some time outdoors today.

09/22/2026

Excited to share that the Jim Wooley Family Tract is now open to the public!

We’re incredibly grateful for this new and unique partnership with PF to help create more public wildlife areas in Iowa and for the many donors who made this project possible. INHF is happy to honor the legacy of Jim Wooley, who has had such a big impact on the creation of public lands across Iowa.

Learn more about the project here: Jim Wooley Family Tract | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

09/21/2026

Calling all bird lovers, curious kids, and nature enthusiasts! Join us to celebrate Hawk Watch at the Madrid Public Library for FREE, family-friendly programs all about Iowa’s amazing birds! Learn about owls, discover how to help birds in your own backyard, and try your hand at becoming a bird detective. 🦉🔎

Come learn, explore, and have a tweet-tastic time!

09/18/2026

Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy in Dubuque, Iowa, was born from a strong emotional bond between Andy and Debi Butler with the limestone bluffs along Catfish Creek in the southernmost area of the city. From a young age, Andy and his childhood buddies spent countless hours exploring the area — splashing in the creek, climbing the bluffs, wandering wooded trails, and discovering the natural treasures this varied landscape offers to kids seeking big adventure.

Fast forward 50 years… when 127 acres of this area became available, the Butlers purchased it with the primary goal of preservation. While the land already had a conservation easement on it when the couple purchased it, they soon found a purpose in restoring the land as well. It now serves as a model for urban conservation — exemplifying how private landowners can inspire public good by integrating restoration, education and wellness.

Read more about how the Butlers and Rabbit Hollow Nature Conservancy on our blog - link in comments👇