Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation protects and restores Iowa's land, water and wildlife

09/04/2026

(you’ll want the volume on for this one)

Okay, okay… INHF isn’t actually launching a cologne. But join us at a prairie seed harvest this fall and you too can bask in the aroma of grey-headed coneflower (smells lemony!), wild bergamot (think Earl Gray tea), mountain mint (smells exactly like you’d expect) and many other native plants that make up an Iowa prairie.

The best part? Your work will ensure future Iowans can enjoy these same experiences. All seeds will be used in prairie restorations, helping to expand wildlife habitat and improve water quality and soil retention. Plus, we’re pretty sure you’ll also have fun.

🔗 Find a friend or two and sign up to volunteer at an upcoming seed harvest. No experience required! We’ll show you which species to collect and tell you a bit about the prairies we’re working in.

INHF has selected Matt O’Connor of Hopkinton to receive the 2026 Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage Award. The award is gi...
09/04/2026

INHF has selected Matt O’Connor of Hopkinton to receive the 2026 Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage Award. The award is given annually to a person who has demonstrated extraordinary personal service and commitment to improving the quality of Iowa’s natural environment while encouraging others to do the same.

O’Connor spent more than 30 years working at Pheasants Forever in a number of different positions. He was instrumental in launching the organization’s Iowa Native Seed Program and the Iowa Buffer Initiative, helping to protect and restore thousands of acres of native habitat across the state.

Matt O’Connor will be honored at a celebration this fall where he will receive $1,500 and a hand-carved acorn sculpture, crafted by Iowa woodworkers Derek Seward and Logan Heissel.

👇More details in the comments

Sawtooth sunflowers (Helianthus grosseserratus) greet the Linn County sunrise near Wickiup Hill Learning Center, a site ...
09/01/2026

Sawtooth sunflowers (Helianthus grosseserratus) greet the Linn County sunrise near Wickiup Hill Learning Center, a site of several INHF protection projects. This late-blooming prairie species offers autumn food for pollinators.

📸 photo by Gary Hamer

08/28/2026

After all this time… they’re still into us 🥰

We feel extremely fortunate to have five staff members who have been with INHF for TWENTY PLUS YEARS!! Don’t know if we still give them butterflies, but their work has undoubtedly led to more butterflies (and other wildlife, habitat improvements, healthier landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities) across the state.

Help us say thanks to Heather, Andrea, Lisa, Joe and Brian for their unbelievable dedication by giving this a like 👍

PS - should we bring back the denim button up?

We're hiring! The Data Entry Associate is a part-time (20-32 hours per week), non-exempt position primarily office-based...
08/14/2026

We're hiring!

The Data Entry Associate is a part-time (20-32 hours per week), non-exempt position primarily office-based at our Des Moines headquarters during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work.

This position is the heart of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s donor program, with daily responsibilities for processing donations and donor information. The ideal candidate will be meticulous with details, have experience in donor database systems (preferably Salesforce NPSP), effectively communicate with their team, enjoy efficient problem solving, and value the power of good data.

Applications are due Monday, August 24.

08/12/2026

📢 Progress update on the Spring Branch Creek protection project

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is fundraising to protect 202 acres along the Spring Branch Creek coldwater trout stream near Manchester in Delaware County. Permanent protection of this upland and floodplain will help improve the quality of water flowing through the Manchester Fish Hatchery, from which all stockable Iowa trout originate. This will also maintain existing fishing access on the 3/4 mile stretch of creek that flows through the property, as well as provide new opportunities for hiking, hunting, and other outdoor recreation activities.

INHF has a goal to raise $250,000 in private donations, and we're now over the halfway point thanks to lead gifts and partner support.

We invite you to an open house this Friday, August 14 to learn more about the area's significance as it relates to water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. Find event details in the comments 👇

Just a reminder: find time to cherish the little things. You might find they're actually the big things. 📸 all bird imag...
08/07/2026

Just a reminder: find time to cherish the little things. You might find they're actually the big things.

📸 all bird images courtesy of Melanie Rose

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505 5th Avenue, Ste 444
Des Moines, IA
50309

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