Project Briefs
Conservation in Action
Explore EIOF project briefs to learn how collaboration, funding, and timely action have helped protect important land and expand public access across Eastern Iowa.
Central Park Lake / Pearson Addition
This project protected 80 acres adjacent to Central Park in Jones County, helping safeguard the lake and the public recreation it supports. Acquired through a partnership of local conservation groups, public agencies, and private supporters, the addition created room for ponds and wetlands that reduce sediment and nutrient runoff before it reaches Central Park Lake. The result is a stronger watershed, improved wildlife habitat, and long-term protection for a place enjoyed for fishing, camping, swimming, and time outdoors.
Hale Wildlife Area / North Addition
The North Addition expands the Hale Wildlife Area near Hale in Jones County, protecting more of the prairie, wetland, pond, and woodland habitat that makes the area valuable for wildlife and public recreation. The addition builds on an established 260-acre conservation area—home to six ponds, eight wetlands, prairie, upland habitat, and timber—while strengthening opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and habitat restoration.
Locher Recreation Area
Locher Recreation Area is a 116-acre public outdoor destination just north of Cascade, shaped by water, woods, open ground, and the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. Its centerpiece is a 40-foot-deep lake, joined by a six-acre pond and nearly 2.5 miles of trails. The area gives residents and visitors a place to fish, paddle, hike, watch wildlife, and spend time outside—while continued development will strengthen public access and recreation for years to come.
Manchester Fish Hatchery Conservation Landscape Expansion
The Manchester Fish Hatchery Conservation Landscape Expansion protects approximately 202 acres of woodland, floodplain, and restorable grassland along Spring Branch Creek near Manchester. Adjacent to the Manchester Fish Hatchery, the property includes three-quarters of a mile of coldwater stream that supports wild brown trout and helps supply the clean water essential to hatchery operations. Permanent protection would improve water quality, preserve existing fishing access, and create future opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, and habitat stewardship.​
​
Muskrat Slough
Muskrat Slough is a roughly 740-acre public wildlife area in southern Jones County and the county’s largest state-managed wetland. Formed from a former glacial lake, its wetlands, grasslands, and scattered woodlands provide vital habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. The area offers public hunting and wildlife viewing while ongoing habitat work, including oak savanna restoration, helps protect and improve this important landscape for the long haul.
​​
Oxford Junction Wildlife Area
Roughly 550-acres of public conservation area near Oxford Junction, created from two connected parcels of eastern Iowa habitat. Its mix of wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and fishing ponds supports wildlife while giving the public room to hunt, fish, hike, and explore. By protecting this working landscape from fragmentation, the project creates lasting outdoor access and a stronger habitat base for generations to come.
Whitewater Canyon
Whitewater Canyon is a 563-acre public wildlife area near Bernard, where the boundaries of Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones counties meet. One of only three true canyons in Iowa, the landscape features steep rock walls, caves, wooded slopes, prairie, and Whitewater Creek—protecting rare plants, wildlife habitat, and a striking piece of Iowa geology. The area is open for hiking, wildlife viewing, stream fishing, hunting, paddling when water levels allow, and winter recreation, ensuring this rugged landscape remains public and protected.
​