Bur Oak Land Trust

06/15/2026

A large tree came down over the trail at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, just beyond the south prairie.

We will work to remove the tree this week. In the meantime, please avoid that section of the trail.

06/08/2026

The Go At It Land Stewardship goats are still eating their way through a patch of invasive plants at Muddy Creek Preserve.

Thanks to Tamra and the Go At It staff for explaning the work and letting us spend some time with the goats. Thanks also to everyone who came out for the pop-up hikes to see this project in progress!

Once the goats are done, our stewardship crew will be able to more effectively remove the invasive plants.

Muddy Creek is currently closed to the public. We ask that the public stay out of the preserve for their safety and the safety of the animals.

06/05/2026

Nature has the power to heal - that power is only one of the many reasons caring for our local environment matters. 🌳

This World Environment Day, find an oak tree to sit beneath and take some time to appreciate the outside world.

We protect many oak trees that you can relax under — find yours at buroaklandtrust.org/preserves.

"After a period of burnout, I realised that nature knows what you need, and is always ready to offer it – you just have to be quiet enough to receive it"

06/02/2026

Our beloved rusty patched bumble bees now have protected habitat thanks to designations approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 🐝

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) announced Friday that the USFWS finalized the designation of critical habitat areas for the endangered bee in 6 states.

“This determination is the result of over a decade of fighting to secure protections for the rusty patched bumble bee and the areas it depends on to survive,” said Lucas Rhoads, senior attorney at NRDC. “Many of its native grasslands have been wiped out, so protecting its last remaining habitat from further destruction is just common sense. These legal protections will help give us the best chance of recovering this once-common pollinator.”

Bur Oak Land Trust has been protecting land for the bees and guiding volunteers to contribute data to species maps utilized by the NRDC in its lawsuit that challenged USFWS to protect critical habitat for the bees.

Bur Oak Executive Director Jason Taylor also worked with the NRDC in his own capacity to push for this protection and the bees have been recorded at several Bur Oak preserves.

You can support rusty patched bumble bees by planting native plants like serviceberry, shooting stars, wild geranium and bee balm — just to name a few — avoiding the use of pesticides and supporting your local land trust.

05/13/2026

🗣️ Muddy Creek is closed to the public until June 11 for a special project.

We ask that the public keep out of the preserve during this time. For questions, please email [email protected] or call our office at 319-338-7030.

04/30/2026

Spring ephemerals, pollinators and more are out at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve!🌸🐝🌱

Learn more about Turkey Creek at buroaklandtrust.org/preserves.

📸 Photos by Renny Klein, Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps

04/23/2026

What do some dedicated volunteers, a few rusted old cans, friendly farm cats and not-so-friendly snakes all have in common?

They were all at Corriell Nature Preserve today during Cleaning Up Corriell! 🌎

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out today in honor of Earth Day, and thanks to the Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps crew for hosting! You all made Corriell that much more special for wildlife.

04/19/2026

You can show you care for the planet this Earth Day by joining Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps for a litter clean-up at Corriell Nature Preserve.

To register, visit buroaklandtrust.org/events.

Details:
Date: April 22
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: 2090 155th St, Atalissa, Iowa 52720
Gloves and trash bags provided.

*Corriell Nature Preserve is closed to public except for events hosted by Bur Oak or by special permission.

04/18/2026

As a board member, you will play a vital role in financial oversight, supporting the organization’s mission and fostering community engagement.

Board members participate in full board meetings every other month and also serve on committees that meet monthly. Terms are 3 years with the possibility of serving 2 consecutive terms.

Apply today at bit.ly/buroakboard! Applications are due May 1.

04/17/2026

If you missed the sign-up for Backyard Biodiversity Project, here's your chance to snag some seedlings! No registration required!

Shrub Pop-up 🌱
Time: 10 a.m. to Noon
Date: Saturday, April 18
Place: Eastdale Plaza parking lot, 1700 S 1st Ave

Shrubs may include aroniaberry, elderberry, nannyberry, ninebark, serviceberry and wild plum. First come, first served.