The Iowa state preserves system was created in 1965; a decade later, thirty preserves had been dedicated, including “six native prairies, a native White Pine stand, the state's only Sphagnum bog, a Balsam Fir stand, some of the oldest exposed rock outcrops in the world, an ancient fort, a fen, several Indian mound groups and a historical cemetery.” This new guide to all ninety Iowa state preserves—biological, geological, archaeological, historical, and scenic—describes the state's most treasured prairies and forests, quartzite outcrops and ice caves, and Indian mounds and wetlands as well as such historic sites as Fort Atkinson and Montauk. Each entry includes two-color, progressively scaled maps giving the location of the preserve within the state, within its county, relative to a nearby town (with a recommended driving route), and on the local landscape (using USGS 7.5-minute topo maps). Also included are written directions (using 911 street names and signs); a description of the preserve's size, features, and history; a list of nearby or similar preserves, parks, natural areas, and other attractions; recommended readings; and contact information. (There are a few exceptions for privately owned or fragile preserves.) For travelers, a map in the introduction numbers all the preserves both geographically and alphabetically by name. Although the preserves system emphasizes preservation rather than recreation, some preserves do have formal trails; some allow hunting, horseback riding, and canoeing; a few have museums or nature centers. This comprehensive guide allows visitors to plan active and informative visits to sites that highlight Iowa's natural and cultural heritage.
The new edition of the popular Enjoy Iowa's Recreation Trails includes updated information on 43 trails at 40 different locations. This trail guide provides details about Iowa's best recreation trails...
To display and share his discoveries, in 1940 Johnson built the Timberlake Museum on his farm. It remained open to the public during the summer and for ...
Provides information on 68 important archaeological sites in Iowa, including sites of every type, from every time period, and in every part of the state.
The images help tell the stories of Iowa's state parks, recreation areas, preserves, and forests. A historical overview sets the stage, followed by essays on key aspects of our park system.
... Iowa ( Bur Oak Books Series , University of Iowa Press ) Greg A. Brick , Iowa Underground : A Guide to the State's Subterranean Treasures ( Trails Books ) Rebecca Conard , Places of Quiet Beauty : Parks , Preserves , and ...
Controlling reed canary grass, a typical wetland invader, was also made a priority. Management of the preserve, however, was through practice of these techniques without integrating research—that is, without using the scientific method, ...
Grasses of the Texas Gulf Prairies and Marshes. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1999. This work functions as an identification manual for the study of grasses of the prairies and marshes that are adjacent to the Gulf of ...
Throughout, in addition to the many illustrations commissioned for this book, she offers careful scientific exposition, a strong sense of respect for the land, and encouragement to protect the future by learning from the past.
By providing a solid base of scientific and technical information presented with unusual clarity and a wealth of supporting illustrations, the contributors to this far-reaching book, many of whom dealt firsthand with the 2008 floods, ...
Guide to preserved and protected natural areas divided by region and state, from world famous national parks to tiny local preserves.