stewardship for land, water, & wildlife

2,611

acres managed by DCCB staff. 76% of those acres are devoted wildlife habitat, which includes prairie management, timber stand improvements, wildlife food plots, invasive species removal, & more.

managed by DCCB staff. 76% of those acres are devoted wildlife habitat, which includes prairie management, timber stand improvements, wildlife food plots, invasive species removal, & more.

planted to Mountain Mint in partnership with the Iowa DNR Seed Cooperative to provide seed that will help create a diverse mix to later be planted into our managed areas and across the state of Iowa

prairie burned during prescribed burning among 7 different properties, inhibiting growth of invasive species while also promoting success of native forbes & grasses

planted throughout Bowstring, McCarthy, and Whitewater Canyon to create shelter belts and supplement previous tree plantings to increase diversity Timber Stand Improvement was focused at Whitewater Canyon this year which included thinning out non- desirable trees from targeted timber stands to promote under-story oak growth. A regenerative Aspen cutting was also completed to promote new Aspen growth, which in turn, provides essential edge habitat and food sources for many species, including the Ruffed Grouse.

Timber Stand Improvement was focused at Whitewater Canyon this year which included thinning out non- desirable trees from targeted timber stands to promote under-story oak growth. A regenerative Aspen cutting was also completed to promote new Aspen growth, which in turn, provides essential edge habitat and food sources for many species, including the Ruffed Grouse.

With management plans in place for each property, stewardship is planned and implemented by staff and Green Iowa AmeriCorps members. Our AmeriCorps members learn valuable conservation-based skills in the field and are able to apply these while leading environmental education programs.