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The 2025 LoHi Trek traversed portions of Harrison, Pottawattamie, and Mills counties from April 23-27. This was the fifth annual LoHi Trek, which has now included sections of all seven Iowa Loess Hills counties. The event was inspired by Kelly Madigan’s 2020 hike through Iowa’s Loess Hills. LoHi is short for Lo(ess) Hi(lls). In addition to hiking, the event includes educational programs about conservation, history, geology, and other aspects of the unique landform. About 40 Trekkers camped at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock Nature Center from Wednesday evening through Sunday. Trekkers came from 8 states and 30 zip codes, including as far as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, and Washington. On Wednesday evening, dinner was provided by Juggs BBQ of Onawa. Chad Graeve with Pottawattamie Conservation gave a brief talk about the history and land stewardship of Hitchcock, then led the group to a scenic off-trail ridge not typically explored by the public. (photos by Lance Brisbois, Golden Hills RC&D, unless otherwise noted)    Thursday morning, hikers did an 8-mile loop through Hitchcock Nature Center. The route included parts of the following trails before lunch: Crescent Ridge, Westridge, Ironwood, Wildwoods, Heritage, Bluestem Meander, Angel’s Dead End, Fox Run Ridge, Hohneke, Oak Avenue, and Moonseed.            Block 16 catered lunch at the new Heartwood Pavilion.  After lunch, the hike continued on the Lodge, Badger Ridge, and Lotus Loop trails back to camp. The weather was gray, but trekkers were all finished and back at camp before severe storms developed in the area later in the afternoon.        A severe thunderstorm warning, tornado warning, and flash flood warning all hit the area, and the group sheltered in the basement of the Crescent Hill Lodge. This happened while some Trekkers were doing a yoga session. This was the first LoHi with severe weather, and we were fortunate to have a safe shelter available. We are grateful to Pottawattamie County Emergency Management for keeping us updated on the weather and ensuring our safety! We lucked out and avoided the worst weather, but heavy rains lasted through the evening. Thursday evening dinner was provided by Iowa Western Culinary Arts program. Nic Salick with The Nature Conservancy gave a presentation about TNC, and discussed birding in the Loess Hills.  Friday morning, Nic returned to lead a group birding walk at Hitchcock.  After lunch (also catered by Iowa Western), the group shuttled to Old Town Conservation Area in Harrison County and hiked a 5-mile loop that included stretches of the Buffalo Run, Stagecoach Loop, Bendy Oak, Bird Dog, and Blazing Star trails.          Friday evening dinner was catered by Rotisserie Urban Bistro of Omaha. Trekkers were treated to an interactive improv session by Big Canvas Comedy.  Saturday morning, the group shuttled to Council Bluffs for a day of urban hiking. Glenn Pollock and Tabitha Panas discussed the history and stewardship work at Vincent Bluff State Preserve before the group hiked through it. Tabitha also discussed a remnant prairie located in Fairview Cemetery, which the trekkers passed by that day. The route included a piece of private land with special, pre-arranged permission, then some city streets and sidewalks through residential neighborhoods to the trails of Fairmount Park.        From Fairmount, the trek went through downtown Council Bluffs, where hikers had lunch at various restaurants. Some of the group stopped for a tour of the Historic General Dodge House.      The last mile was uphill to the historic Black Angel Statue, then ending at the Lincoln Monument.   Saturday evening dinner was held at the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center. Malvern artist Anna Stoysich led a printmaking activity, and trekkers each made their own 2025-LoHi-branded bandana as a souvenir. Block 16 provided dinner on Saturday.   An important feature of the LoHi is a processing circle during which hikers share ways they have been impacted, both big and small, by the experience. It is often emotional, because for many the LoHi Trek is more than a hike— it is a life-changing event unlike anything they’ve experienced.  Sunday morning, the group shuttled to Folsom Point Preserve for their final hike. The route included a loop at Folsom Point, managed by The Nature Conservancy, and a portion of Green Hill Wildlife Management Area.             Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Trek a success, including:
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