Golden Hills RC&D

06/15/2026

Did you know that what we think of as a single flower on yellow coneflower (𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢) is actually made up of hundreds of tiny flowers?

This tall and slender member of the aster family combines two types of flowers into one eye-catching flower head. The drooping yellow "petals" are individual ray flowers that help attract pollinators, while the tall central cone contains hundreds of tiny disc flowers, each capable of producing a seed.

This native prairie wildflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Once established, its deep roots help it withstand drought, making it a resilient and valuable plant for pollinators and native landscapes.

The next time you see a yellow coneflower blooming, take a closer look. You will find that what appears to be one flower is actually an entire community of flowers working together.

We have yellow coneflower and other prairie species for sale now at Golden Hills. Check out the link in the comments to find out how to get some for your landscape.

📸Lance Brisbois

06/14/2026

The West Nishnabotna River runs about 120 miles from Carroll County to Fremont County in southwest Iowa. The watershed covers nearly 490,000 acres across nine counties and includes 27 cities.

The land cover in the West Nish watershed is approximately 82% crop land, 10% pasture/grass, 6% developed/urban, 1% forest, and 1% water/wetlands. Nearly all of the river was channelized in the 20th century, which reduced its length, increased its slope, and caused major downcutting & streambank erosion within the deep loess soils of the watershed.

Despite these changes & challenges, the West Nish offers a corridor of wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities for southwest Iowa residents & visitors to enjoy.

Since 2010, Golden Hills has worked with state and county partners to develop and promote the West Nish as a water trail, with several new canoe/kayak accesses from Harlan to Malvern. We also coordinate the West Nishnabotna Watershed Coalition, which works to reduce flooding impacts and improve water quality. Our Regional Conservation Partnership Program is helping landowners & farmers restore streambanks and add riparian buffers.

Learn more about Golden Hills' work in the West Nish watershed: goldenhillsrcd.org/wmc

06/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Milk & Honey | Harlan, Iowa | cafe.cocktails.bakery | to learn about the benefits of native plants & insects for vegetable gardening!

Don't forget our plant sale next week in Oakland-- species are limited and you can preorder at goldenhillsrcd.org/plantsale

06/11/2026

We'll be there--will you?

Next Wednesday, June 17. 9am-2pm
Hitchcock Nature Center

Conservation Grazing Field Day

The morning session will include discussions on grazing public lands, the benefits of native forage, and conservation grazing strategies. Lunch will be served, and a field tour will follow. Field tour highlights will include fire-grazing interactions, mobile mineral feeder impacts, exclosures, hiker gates, and solar water pumps.

Pre-registration required: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/grazing_field_day/2026-06-17/

06/11/2026

Attention, Iowa artists! Check out this grant opportunity!

06/10/2026

Eryngium yuccifolium, or Rattlesnake Master, can be found in remnant tallgrass prairies in southwest Iowa. This distinctive plant belongs to the carrot family, which is apparent if you break and sniff one of the sword-like leaves.

This prairie standout is gaining popularity as an ornamental in the home landscape. It grows well in various, well-drained soils. The striking flower stalks hold up in floral arrangements. Leave a few stalks, though, because the flowers are a favorite of various butterflies, including monarchs, and many other native pollinators.

Golden Hills grows this plant from seed collected from Loess Hills' prairies. Visit the link in the comments to find out how you can purchase plants for your home garden.

06/09/2026

Exciting news for outdoor recreation in Iowa!

Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an Executive Order establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, making Iowa the 25th state to create a dedicated office focused on advancing the nation’s $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy. The new office will prioritize outdoor recreation opportunities, local economic development, conservation, tourism and quality of life. These activities in Iowa generate $5.9 billion in economic activity (2.2% of GDP) and support nearly 48,000 jobs.

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Celebrates Iowa’s Leadership and Continued Momentum Behind State Outdoor Recreation Offices Nationwide Indianola, Iowa — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) today celebrated with Governor Kim Reynolds during her announcement establishing the Iowa Office of Outdo...

06/08/2026

The Nishnabotna Water Defenders have teamed up with Izaak Walton League's Nitrate Watch program to help monitor nitrate concentrations in southwest Iowa waterways.

Complete this form and take the pledge to receive a free Nitrate Watch test kit in the mail: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefP-uDbu_bOj9y7HxciYU8OJVD_1nO16gk18qylZcdk38B7Q/viewform

As a Nitrate Watcher, you agree to use all 25 test strips to test nitrate levels in local waterways; add your findings to the Clean Water Hub national database, and share your knowledge about nitrate and water pollution with family, friends, and neighbors.