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News

Hiking the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway: Clay County

5/31/2023

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Photo of Bertram Reservation by Lynn Graesing
Our last post in the Hiking the Byways series takes us to Clay County on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. There are multiple areas open to hiking in the county, some with maintained trails like Bertram Reservation. If you are looking for off-trail exploration, there are 15 wildlife management areas and numerous county properties to explore native prairie, bottomland timber, and the Little Sioux River.
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Bertram Reservation

​​Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
Peterson, IA 51047
Acres: 240
Trails: Yes, for hiking and horseback riding
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

240-acre wildlife area with oak savannah prairie that has hiking trails as well as equestrian trails. Horseback riding is closed from October 1st to May 31st.
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Click to see a larger version

Scharnberg Park
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Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
3430 145th Ave, Everly 51338
Acres: 55
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Beach, shelters, restrooms, water, playground
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Enjoy the one-mile trail around the pond and park!
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No map available

Oneota Park

Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
420 10th Ave SE, Spencer 51301
Acres: 223
Trails: Yes, two miles of mowed trails
Camping: No
Amenities: Pit toilets, shelter
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Oneota Park is home to the Clay County Conservation Board Headquarters and Oneota Lodge.  The park is 223 acres of rolling prairie bordered by the Little Sioux River and bottom ground timber.  The park has mowed trails in a natural prairie grass area.    The combined trail length is over two miles.
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No map available

Other Areas in Clay County

Wanata Park - ​Wanata Park is a 144-acre park situated along the Little Sioux River next to the town of Peterson.  Come enjoy the trails as you hike along the flood plains or hills of the Little Sioux River.

Bob Howe Thunder Bridge Wildlife Refuge - 29.5 Acre wildlife refuge with the Little Sioux River flowing through it. Bike and hiking trail. Home to historic Thunder Bridge, a through truss bridge built in 1905.

Donahoo Wildlife Area - 171 acre wildlife area located in both Clay and Buena Vista counties.  It is located in the Little Sioux flood plain with prairie uplands and Oak Savannah prairie remnants.

Kindlespire Complex - 310-acre wildlife area located along the Little Sioux River with hiking trails.

Mori Prairie - 40 acres of open prairie. Ideal for pheasant hunting using non-toxic shot and bird watching. Outstanding for those who are interested in native plant ecology. One of the very few pristine native prairies in Clay County.

Riverton Wildlife Area - 160-acre wildlife area along the Ocheyedan River open to hiking.

Schmerse Wildlife Area - Hiking trail around the pond.

Stouffer Memorial Wildlife Preserve - 20 acre wildlife reserve located along the Little Sioux River off of Highway 18.

Summit Wildlife Area - Summit Wildlife Area is approximately 132 acres of re-constructed prairie area located on the Little Sioux River.  

Wildlife Management Areas

There are 15 wildlife management areas in Clay County. These areas are managed by the Iowa DNR and are open to hunting. There are no maintained trails, however, some may have maintenance tracks that can be used for hiking. Off-trail hiking is permitted, but take caution during hunting season to not disturb wildlife or hunters. Go to the Iowa DNR's website to search for WMAs in Clay County.

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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SW IA Featured Farm: Archer Aqua Farms

5/30/2023

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Aqua Archer Farms is a small aquaponics farm in Missouri Valley. While working for UPS, owner Chris Archer delivered an aquaponics system and was intrigued. After learning more about it, he decided to give it a try.

In 2018, Chris visited an aquaponics farm in Colorado, and the Nelson Pade facilities in Wisconsin. He took a 3-day mastery class with Nelson Pade, who is one of the premier companies in the aquaponics business. The farm consists of a series of tanks and plant beds where greens are grown on water instead of soil.
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Aqua Archer Farms have a “Family Plus System” consisting of four 100-gallon tanks with fish, and two 55-gallon clarifying tanks. Ammonia comes from fish urine, but the fish solid waste does not come anywhere near the food production. The ammonia that is produced by the fish is broken down organically by bacteria, similar to how it does in soil, producing nitrate that is beneficial to the plants. From the fish tanks, water goes into a degassing tank. Water is then put into beds where greens are floating on raft beds. Their roots go directly into the water.

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They use tilapia, which are considered a highly invasive species by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The farm is required to have a DNR permit, an annual aquaculture permit, and the facilities are inspected by DNR to ensure they are following all environmental regulations. Although the fish are edible, selling them would require another expensive permit so they do not sell the fish.
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The fish are all males, which reduces the chance of unchecked population growth. They arrive as 1-5 gram fingerlings. 

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As they grow, the size of the food pellets they eat also grows. Nelson Pade has their own meal formula, which does not include any bloodmeal. The fish are fed 3-5 times per day depending on their size. Because tilapia like to jump and can easily jump out of the tanks, the tanks are covered with nets. The fish live about 7 months. A general rule is to have 1 pound of fish per 2-3 gallons of water.

A ¼ horsepower pump is all that’s needed to recirculate water through the system, in addition to using gravity as much as possible. It is an enclosed loop system which conserves water and improves efficiency.

The plants take 30 to 55 days to grow to a harvestable size. They require temperatures between 65-85 degree F to thrive. Fans are needed to help circulate air. Grow lights are used in the greenhouse to help increase the light spectrum for the plants’ growth cycles, and generate small amount of heat.

A “purge tank” system is used when they are harvesting the fish at the grow out stage of 1.5-2 pounds. They are taken from the 100 gallon tank once at weight and are not fed, to clean out their system. Salt is added as a calming agent and to help clean out the fish from any remaining waste, to produce a cleaner meat and taste when harvested.

They add DTPA Iron, magnesium and calcium to the water.  The iron is not readily available for the plants in this form of iron so they add the calcium and magnesium for the iron to attach to so the plants can uptake the nutrients.

They have several biosecurity measures in place to reduce the risk of contamination and pests.

They do weekly chemical testing of the water to make sure pH, nitrite, dissolved oxygen, and other qualities are adequate. Tanks are cleaned monthly (or as needed) depending on the fish stocking density. The Archers do not use any pesticides or other chemicals.
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Archer Aqua farms started growing produce about a year ago. To harvest the greens, they lift up the floating beds and snip off the roots. 

They are currently selling 9 types of greens, and plan to add berries and tomatoes in the future. Customers often comment on the great flavor of their greens compared to store-bought counterparts. ​
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They are planning to start producing Microgreens in the next month or so, using a ZipGrow Microgreens Station. The Archers are currently participating in Upstart University, where they’re learning more tools and tips of the trade.
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You can find Archer Aqua Farm’s greens at the Blair Farmers Market in the summer, and at S&S Pumping in Blair in the off-season of the farmers market on Saturday mornings.

One Farm Market in Logan also regularly sells them. They have at times sold to the Pink Poodle in Crescent. They will have anywhere from 70-90 heads of greens available each week. You can also contact them through their Facebook page to place an order. For a small fee, you can get a tour of their facilities.      
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Botany on the Byways: Penstemon

5/30/2023

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Penstemon grandiflorus at Hitchcock Nature Center (photo by Seth Brooks)
Two types of penstemon can be found in western Iowa, Penstemon grandiflorus and Penstemon digitalis. The former, commonly known as large-flowered beardtongue, can be found in most counties in western Iowa. According to Iowa Prairie Plants, foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) can be found in Fremont and Guthrie counties. Both species bloom into the month of June.
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Penstemon grandiflorus
Penstemon species are commonly called beardtongue because of an interesting adaptation to attract pollinators. "One of the five stamens is sterile and does not produce pollen. It is often modified into a hairy or bearded tongue and probably attracts insects," as noted in the field guide Wildflowers of Iowa Woodlands by Sylvan Runkel and Alvin Bull.

Penstemon grandiflorus is common on Loess Hills prairies in western Iowa but very infrequent elsewhere on dry, sandy prairies and stabilized sand dunes. Its purple flowers bloom from late May to mid-June.
​Penstemon digitalis is frequent in moist, sandy soils on prairies and in other open places in southeastern Iowa, becoming very infrequent to the north and west. Penstemon digitalis is about the same height as Penstemon grandiflorus, but the leaves are somewhat larger and narrower. Penstemon digitalis also blooms slightly later than P. grandiflorus, from early to late June.
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​Penstemon digitalis
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Penstemon grandiflorus
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Penstemon grandiflorus
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Penstemon grandiflorus
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Botany on the Byways: Locoweed

5/25/2023

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Locoweed on Badger Ridge at Hitchcock Nature Center (photo by Seth Brooks)
Oxytropis lambertii commonly known as purple locoweed, or just locoweed. It is perennial common on Loess Hills prairies and dry prairies and is exclusively found only in the western counties in the state of Iowa. It is native to grasslands in the Canadian Prairie of central Canada and in the mid-west and Great Plains of the United States from Texas to Manitoba and west to Arizona and Montana.
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Locoweed flowers from late May to mid-June. 

Oxytropis lambertii plant is one of the locoweeds most frequently implicated in livestock poisoning. Locoweed is a common name in North America for any plant that produces swainsonine, a phytotoxin harmful to livestock.
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(photo by Seth Brooks)
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(photo by Seth Brooks)

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Hiking the Western Skies Scenic Byway: Guthrie County

5/24/2023

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Whiterock Conservancy (photo by Lance Brisbois)
Guthrie County is the easternmost county on the Western Skies Scenic Byway, and the final county in our Hiking the Byways series for Western Skies.

Two excellent areas for hiking,  Whiterock Conservanc y and Springbrook State Park, are short drives north from the byway. Whiterock is famous for dark, starry skies at night. Fall colors are Springbook are a top attraction for hikers.  Sheeder Prairie State Preserve, Sutcliffe Woodland, and other natural areas make Guthrie County a hidden gem for hiking between Des Moines and Council Bluffs.
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Whiterock Conservancy​

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Manager: Whiterock Conservancy
Location: 
1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids 50058
Acres: 5,500
Trails: Over 40 miles of multi-use trails
Camping: Yes, modern and tent
Amenities: Restrooms and water
Dogs: Yes. Dogs may be off-leash they are well behaved and stay in close proximity to you while you are hiking. During burn and hunting season all pets must be kept on a leash for their safety. 
Hunting: No

​Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods.
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Click to download the PDF map
Explore over 40+ miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and UTV trails; set up camp in our RV or tent camping areas; or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our vacation rentals.

A Whiterock Conservancy trail pass is required for all visitors mountain biking and horseback riding on the trails. A trail pass is not required for walking or hiking, however a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. The annual pass is good for the calendar year and the daily pass is good for the day of purchase.​
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Trail fees help cover the cost of maintenance, as well as preserve the landscape. Self-serve kiosks are located with payment envelopes throughout Whiterock Conservancy and can be found at the campgrounds, trailheads, Bur Oak Visitor's Center, and the Historic Garst Farmstead.

(text source: Whiterock Conservancy)
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Source: Whiterock Conservancy

​Springbrook State Park

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: 2437 160th Road Guthrie Center 50115
Acres: 930
Trails: 12 miles of hiking and biking trails
Camping: Yes, electric & non-electric
Amenities: Playground, Swimming beach, Shelters, Modern restrooms (ADA accessible), Showers (ADA accessible)
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Click to download the PDF map
​Springbrook State Park is a quiet retreat in Guthrie County, encompassing 930 acres of rolling hills and mature timber. Many of the park’s structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, creating a nostalgic setting for park visitors. A multifamily cabin called the Sherburne House is perfect for large families or groups, and the lake is a popular destination for swimming and kayaking.

​Hike or bike
 12 miles of trails at Springbrook, offering leisurely routes through timber and prairie areas or more challenging paths for the seasoned hiker or biker. Trails also lead to small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River, and the park’s 17-acre lake. Snowmobiling is allowed on four miles of designated trails in the winter.

(text source: Iowa DNR)

​Sheeder Prairie State Preserve

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: 
Guthrie Center, IA 50115
Acres: 25
Trails: No but hiking is allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs:
Yes, however, no dogs are allowed during nesting season March 15 to July 15.​​
Hunting: Yes

Sheeder Prairie is a 25-acre tallgrass prairie. It is located five miles west of Guthrie Center in Guthrie County. The property was purchased in 1961 by the Iowa Conservation Commission from Oscar and Clara Sheeder, the son and daughter-in-law of the original homesteader. It was dedicated as a biological state preserve in 1968. ​
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Click to download the state preserves guide
This preserve lies within the Southern Iowa Drift Plain, a landform region of gently rolling terrain. Over 200 plant species are found in this preserve, including thirty grasses. The prairie hilltops and slopes contain big bluestem, little bluestem, por­cupine grass, and prairie dropseed along with leadplant, rosinweed, prairie willow, and redroot. Prairie phlox, golden alexanders, flowering spurge, rattlesnake master, purple coneflower, and gray-headed coneflower are also common. The wooded ravines are dominated by box elder, wild plum, and black willow.

In the spring, prairie false dandelion, bird’s-foot violet, prairie violet, lousewort, and hoary puccoon are among the first plants to begin blooming. By May, ground plum, indigo bush, blue-eyed grass, prairie ragwort, tall green milkweed, prairie lark­spur, and yellow stargrass join the display. Prairie loosestrife, butterfly weed, purple prairie clover, compass plant, ironweed, wild bergamot, rough blazing star, and prairie blazing star can be found in June and July. Nodding ladies’-tresses, white sage, silky aster, sky-blue aster, showy goldenrod, Canada goldenrod, smooth goldenrod, and downy gentian bloom during the fall months.

​A total of sixty-nine species of birds can be found here, with twenty-five nesting on a regular basis. Nearly three-fourths of the nesting species are woodland species. Two grassland species, the bobolink and grasshopper sparrow, nest sporadically. Several preferring the woodland edge habitat found here include gray catbird, eastern kingbird, brown thrasher, rosebreasted grosbeak, red-headed woodpecker, downy woodpecker, blackcapped chickadee, Baltimore oriole, northern cardinal, house wren, and American goldfinch.

The Conservation Education Center, located at Springbrook State Park north of Guthrie Center, sponsors workshops and interpretive events that often include field trips to Sheeder Prairie.

(text source: Iowa DNR state preserves guide)

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​Nations Bridge Park

​Manager: Guthrie County Conservation
Location: 2997 Wagon Rd, Stuart 50250
Acres: 81
Trails: Nature trails, including one self-guided
Camping: Yes, primitive and modern
Amenities: Water, restrooms, shelters, picnic area, playground
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Hunting in designated areas only.
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​Nations Bridge Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities to the public and is a favorite spot for many.  The park has a total of 81 acres that can be used for camping, picnicking, kayaking, hiking, bird watching fishing, disc golf, and horse shoes. Wildlife is abundant at Nations Bridge Park. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, quail, raccoons, coyotes, and a variety of songbirds can be seen at the park. Nature trails can be found throughout the park and a self-guided nature trail is located on the east side of the park, County Highway P28.

(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)

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​Sutcliffe Woodland

v​Manager: Guthrie County Conservation
Location: 2416 Frost Ln, Guthrie Center
Acres: 55
Trails: Yes, including a self-guided interpretive nature trail
Camping: None
Amenities: tbdms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Hunting in designated areas only.
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Download the booklet on the park's website
Sutcliffe Woodland is a beautiful, 55-acre oak-hickory area designated as a wildlife refuge. It offers a 31-post, self-guided interpretive nature trail, as well as picnicking, hiking, and pond fishing. 

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(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)​
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​Raccoon River Valley Trail

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile, paved, multi-use recreational trail that extends from Clive, in the Des Moines-metropolitan area, to Jefferson. The 33-mile "North Loop" was completed in 2013 making this trail one of the longest in the United States. The trail is built on the former Milwaukee RR track now owned by the Dallas, Greene, and Guthrie County Conservation Boards.​
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Click the map for the trail's main webpage
The trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber that remind us of what Iowa was like in the 1870's. Common uses for the multi-recreational trail are hiking, biking, walking, in-line skating, jogging, bird watching , or cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in the winter.

Trailheads in Guthrie County:
  • Panora - 600 E Main Street  (Google Map)
  • Yale - Corner of Railroad and South Street (Google Map)
  • Herndon - Herndon Road (Google Map)
  • Jamaica - South Main Street (Google Map)

(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)

The following Guthrie County Conservation properties are open to hiking but have no maintained trails:
  • Bennie Hall Wildlife Area
  • Bundt Prairie
  • Monteith Wildlife Area
  • S.E. Robinson Wildlife Area

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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25 Scenic Overlooks on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

5/23/2023

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Loess Hills Scenic Overlook (© 2016 Kenneth West)
"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it."
Shakespeare, As You Like It


To celebrate National Photography Month, we have put together a list of 25 scenic overlooks and viewpoints on or near the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Some require no hiking, while other viewpoints, such as Mount Lucia in Stone State Park, can only be reached by hiking to them.

Below is an interactive Google Map to find where the overlooks are located. Also, we have included pictures of the overlooks, but not from each one on the list. Below the photos is a complete list of the 25 overlooks with more information.
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Aalfs Family Preserve
Land status - Broken Kettle Grasslands
Overlook location - Butcher Rd south of Westfield
Access - via a kissing gate on Butcher Rd
Notes - Bench and interpretive panel overlooking the bison enclosure

Five Ridge Prairie Cabin

Land status - Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
Overlook location - 26616 IA-12, Westfield, IA 51062
Access - Requires a hike up a steep trail
Notes - Cabin is perched on the ridge overlooking the Bix Sioux River and the Missouri River floodplain


Elk Point Overlook
Land status - Stone State Park
Overlook location - Stone State Park Dr, Sioux City, IA 51109
Access - Parking area on the park road
Notes - Overlooks the southern section of the state park


Dakota Point Overlook
Land status - Stone State Park
Overlook location ​- Dakota Point Rd, Sioux City, IA 51109
Access - Parking area on the park road
Notes - Overlooks the Big Sioux River and South Dakota


Kestrel Point
Land status - Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
Overlook location - Bluestem Trail
Access - Requires hiking the nature center trails
Notes - Overlooks the nature center

Mount Lucia

Land status - Stone State Park
Overlook location ​- Mt. Lucia Trail
Access - Requires hiking the state park trails
​Notes - Views of Sioux City


War Eagle Park
Land status - War Eagle Park
Overlook location - Sioux City, IA 51103
Access - Ample parking lot
Notes - Overlooking I-29, the Missouri River, and Nebraska


Sergeant Floyd Monument
Land status - Sergeant Floyd Monument
Overlook location - 2601 S Lewis Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51103
Access - Ample parking lot
Notes - Views of I-29, Sioux City, Missouri River, and Nebraska

Loess Hills Scenic Overlook
Land status - Loess Hills State Forest - Preparation Canyon Unit
Overlook location - Oak Ave, Moorhead, IA 51558
Access - Wood platform that is wheelchair and stroller accessible
Notes - Interpretive panels and views of prairie ridges and state forest

Preparation Canyon State Park Viewpoint
Land status - Preparation Canyon State Park
Overlook location - Moorhead, IA 51558
Access - Via hiking trail; quickest access via the overnight camping parking lot off Highway 183
Notes - Bench atop a prairie ridge with views of the state park and Soldier River Valley

Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
Land status - Harrison County Conservation
Overlook location - 1634 Co Rd F20, Little Sioux, IA 51545
Access - Requires a short hike from the parking lot
Notes - Interpretive panels, picnic table, bench, and views of the Missouri River floodplain
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Little Sioux Viewpoint
Land status - Loess Hills State Forest - Little Sioux Unit
Overlook location - 41.773667, -96.004111
Access - Requires hiking up a steep trail from the parking lot on 165th Trail
Notes - Bench overlooking the junction of the Soldier River Valley and Missouri River floodplain, and views of the Mondamin unit of the state forest

Mondamin Viewpoint

Land status - Loess Hills State Forest - Mondamin Unit
Overlook location - 41.721694, -95.964556
Access - Requires hiking the state forest trails, including a steep section from the south trailhead on Highway 127
Notes - Bench atop a steep ridge with views west of the Missouri River floodplain

Lincoln Highway Overlook
Land status - Harrison County Iowa Welcome Center
Overlook location - 2931 Monroe Ave, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Access - Requires walking a paved path from the welcome center
Notes - Overlooking the Lincoln Highway

Loveland Scenic Overlook Tower
Land status - I-880 rest area
Overlook location - 16614 I-880, Honey Creek, IA 51542
Access - Stairs to top of the overlook tower
Notes - Overlooking I-880 and the surrounding Loess Hills

Loess Hills Lodge & HawkWatch Tower
Land status - Hitchcock Nature Center
Overlook location - 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542
Access - HawkWatch Tower requires climbing up stairs, while there is a viewing platform around the Lodge
Notes - Views of the nature center​

Badger Ridge Viewpoint

Land status - Hitchcock Nature Center
Overlook location - Badger Ridge Trail
Access - Requires hiking one-half mile from the Badger Ridge Trailhead
Notes - Views of the southern section of the nature center and the Simon Run valley

Lewis & Clark Monument Overlook
Land status - Lewis and Clark Monument Park
Overlook location - 19962 Monument Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Access - Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
Notes - Views of planes landing and taking off from Eppley Airfield and the Omaha skyline

Lookout Point
Land status - Fairmount Park
Overlook location - End of Park Rd
Access - Small parking area at the end of Park Rd
Notes - Views west of Council Bluffs and downtown Omaha

West Oak Forest Viewpoint
Land status - West Oak Forest
Overlook location - 41.0742, -95.81053
Access - Requires a steep hike from the parking lot to the ridge, then additional hiking along the ridge
Notes - Views of the Missouri River floodplain

Pony Creek Park Overlook Tower
Land status - Pony Creek Park
Overlook location - 41.06962, -95.78753
Access - Requires hiking the park's trails
Notes - Views of Pony Creek

Mile Hill Lake Scenic Overlook
Land status - Mile Hill Lake
Overlook location - 21193 US, Mile Hill Lake Park, US-34, Pacific Junction, IA 51561
Access - Viewing platform at the parking lot
Notes - Overlooking Mile Hill Lake

Riverton Wildlife Overlook
Land status - Riverton Wildlife Management Area
Overlook location - 40.7181, -95.5658
Access - Wood platform 
Notes - Overlooking the northern section of the wildlife area

Waubonsie State Park Scenic Overlook
Land status - Waubonsie State Park
Overlook location - 40.67549, -95.69093
Access - Near the parking lot near the park office
Notes - Benches and interpretive panels overlooking the state park
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Sunset Ridge Viewpoint
Land status - Waubonsie State Park
Overlook location ​- 40.67206, -95.70318
Access - Requires hiking Sunset Ridge Trail

Notes - Interpretive panel and view overlooking the Missouri River floodplain

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Featured Farm: Flavor Country Farms

5/19/2023

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Flavor Country Farms, located in the Loess Hills near Honey Creek, is a small farm specializing in mushrooms and microgreens. They started at the current site in September 2018, but owner Kevin Novak had been growing in his Omaha basement before the move. Prior to that, Kevin spent several years in the restaurant industry in Chicago before returning to his hometown. While studying at Metro Community College, he became interested in fungi and tried growing mushrooms for the first time.

Kevin is primarily self-taught, though he did attend a two-day training with world-renowned fungi expert Paul Stamets. Most of his expertise comes from years of experience and experimentation to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

In January 2022, fire destroyed a building that was primarily being used for storage. The structure is currently being rebuilt as a packing house. Once completed, it will increase their capacity for production and storage. They plan to incorporate more value-added products like lion’s mane jerky, powder & capsules, and more.
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Flavor Country is a “chef-inspired” farm – Kevin asks the restaurant chefs what they want and caters to their needs. They currently sell to 40-50 markets per week, totaling about 700 pounds of product.

The mushrooms grown by Flavor Country are called primary decomposers, and commonly are found in the wild growing on trees. The “big 4” – lion’s mane, oyster, chestnut & black pearl—are most popular for restaurants. Each variety has their own unique flavor and preferred recipes. Lion’s mane crab cakes, for example, are popular with many chefs. Oyster mushrooms grow the quickest are the least likely to be contaminated as they have the most aggressive mycelium to fight against contamination. Oysters are a great mushroom for an entry-level or hobbyist grower. Used mushrooms blocks are used to create mushroom compost for their vegetables.

The mushroom process starts with clones or spores, then agar or liquid culture. From there is Generation 1 spawn, followed by Gen 2 and Gen 3. Next, it goes into a fruiting substrate, into incubation, then the grow room, and finally packing. The fuiting chamber requires very specific temperature, humidity, CO levels, and fresh air. An intricate geoair thermal battery was built into the ground beneath the grow room to help regulate the environmental conditions for optimal mushroom growth. October to March seems to be the best time to grow mushrooms, as they are not fans of the heat. Bugs like fungus gnats are more likely to cause problems in warmer weather.
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Besides mushrooms, Flavor Country’s microgreens are popular with restaurants. They currently sell 30 varieties of microgreens, but Kevin has developed at least 50 varieties over the years.
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They also grow garlic and several types of herbs. Squash blossoms are a popular seasonal treat that restaurants enjoy. For a while in the spring they even sell locally-harvested morel mushrooms.  
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Flavor Country Farms' mushrooms, microgreens, garlic, and herbs can be found at numerous restaurants in the Omaha metro, as well as 712 in Council Bluffs and Pink Poodle in Crescent. In addition to restaurants (their primary customer), several Omaha grocery stores carry their products, including: Hy-Vees at 90th & Center, 180th & Pacific, and 96th & Q in Omaha; Exist Green in Dundee; and Berreras Farms at 194th & F. Additionally, you can find their products at Berreras Farms’ CSA, Iowana Farms’ CSA, and No More Empty Pots. They sometimes have a farm stand at the Casey’s in Crescent on Friday evenings.
They are also considering some on-farm events and are hosting a PFI Field Day this fall, so stay tuned!
Follow Flavor Country Farms on Facebook, Instagram, and their website. ​
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Hiking the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Fremont County

5/19/2023

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© 2016 Kenneth West
This week's Hiking the Byways installment takes us to the southern terminus of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Fremont County is home to Waubonsie State Park, a great place to view fall's vibrant colors from its overlooks and wandering trails. Less than one hour from Omaha, Waubonsie is a popular destination, and as a result, it is only one of two state parks in Iowa that charges an entrance fee to out-of-state visitors, If you'd like a solitary experience, the Blackburn State Unit of Waubonsie offers two miles of trails. Fremont County is also one of the best places to go birding in Iowa. While there are no official trails, hiking is allowed throughout Riverton Wildlife Area, a major stopover for migratory waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. 
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​Waubonsie State Park​

Manager: Iowa DNR
GPS:
40.675612, -95.686675
Acres: 2,000
Trails: 8 miles of hiking trails, 8 more miles of multi-use trails north of Highway 2
Camping: Cabins, modern campground, and non-electric campsites
Amenities: Playground, day-use lodg, shelters, modern restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa is known for its exceptional vistas of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills and the Nebraska plains. Its extensive trail system offers something for the avid mountain biker, equestrians looking for a relaxing ride, or
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Click to download the PDF version
anyone eager to hike amongst the tranquil surroundings of the park’s ridgetop prairies and shaded woodland valleys. With nearly 2,000 acres of recreational opportunity and quiet beauty, Waubonsie State Park is an Iowa gem waiting to be explored.
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© 2016 Kenneth West
Named for Chief Waubonsie of the Native American Pottawattamie tribe, the park is much the same today as it was when it was purchased in 1926. The changing seasons complement the beauty of this countryside. Spring brings the blossoms of dozens of varieties of flowers and shrubs. Summer beckons with cooling breezes on the high places and in shady glens. Nowhere in Iowa are there more brilliant splashes of color than at Waubonsie in the fall, and in the winter the bluffs and ridges are sometimes beautifully blanketed with snow. Several miles of hiking and equestrian trails are available throughout the park.
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Hike the Sunset Ridge Nature Trail that traverses the heart of the park, offering sweeping views of the Missouri River Valley. The Ridge and Valley trails also provide ample hiking opportunities, taking visitors through quiet and shaded woodland areas. Eight miles of trails are accessible only to hikers. Another eight miles of multi-use trails wind through the northern regions of Waubonsie and are perfect for anyone in search of challenging hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding or snowmobiling opportunities. The trail to the main overlook is accessible for all ages and abilities.

​Blackburn State Park Unit of Waubonsie​

Manager: Iowa DNR
GPS:
40.857939, -95.737358
Acres: 72
Trails: 2 miles
Camping: No
Amenities: Vault toilets, gazebo, overlook
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Click for a larger version
Blackburn State Park Unit, managed by Waubonsie State Park, is a 72-acre park formed in 2019 from the donation of over 150 acres by William R. (Bill) and Sara Blackburn. The park is at the center of approximately 1,000 acres of preserved public grounds, including the Blackburn and Green Hollow Wildlife Management Areas, which are managed by the Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit of the Iowa DNR.
​The unit includes an overlook platform and reservable large picnic shelter. Given the site’s remote location, there is no public water supply, and all garbage must be removed by the visitor. A 20-acre restored prairie graces high ground where native flowers bloom, especially in late spring. Three beautiful stone benches positioned on the ridge offer grand views of the sunset over the woods. ​

Blackburn WMA & Green Hollow WMA

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Blackburn:
40.857939, -95.737358
Green Hollow: 40.849565, -95.735873
Acres: 79 (Blackburn), 624 (Green Hollow)
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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Bring your camera, as there's been reported Sasquatch sightings at this remote and rugged wildlife area!

​Possum Hollow WMA​

Manager: Iowa DNR
Location:
Sidney, IA 51652
Acres: 173
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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​Riverton WMA​

Manager:
Iowa DNR
Location: Riverton, IA 51650
Acres: 4,071
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes

Arguably one of the top waterfowl destinations in Iowa, the Riverton marsh covers 2,200 acres. It is popular with hunters, so where appropriate clothing if  you hike during hunting season.
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Photo by Carter Oliver

​Eli Slusher WMA​

Manager:
Iowa DNR
Location: 2826 Bluff Rd, Hamburg 51640
Acres: 517
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes

With limited access, the only way to get anywhere on this 517-acre public area is to hike. There are no maintained trails. 
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Eli Slusher has only been open to the public since 2016, but has attracted bird watchers, hikers, mushroom hunters and a growing number of archery deer hunters. Being adjacent to Waubonsie State Park and its campsites, cabins and modern shower and restroom facilities, visitors can totally immerse themselves in Iowa’s outdoors.  Timbered draws, prairie ridges, steep hills and deep valleys. Eli Slusher WMA is full of wildlife from the hardy — like deer, turkey and badgers — to the more fragile, like zebra swallowtail butterflies and, quite likely, the state endangered Great Plains skink.
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​OS Wing WMA

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: Hamburg, IA 51640
Acres: 138
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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© 2016 Kenneth West

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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Nothocolais cuspidata, prairie false dandelion

5/18/2023

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One of the early-blooming flowers on Iowa's prairies is Nothocolais cuspidata, the prairie false dandelion. The yellow flower looks like the common non-native dandelion, but is generally larger. The leaves are long, narrow, and wavy. Nothocolais prefers dry slopes, and is relatively common in the Loess Hills (compared to other parts of Iowa), and more common in drier, western states. It typically blooms in April-May, and most plants have already gone to seed by now (late May).
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Nothocolais cuspidata range map. Source: http://bonap.net/Napa/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Nothocalais
Check out these links to learn more about Nothocolais cuspidata:
  • Minnesota Wildflowers
  • Illinois Wildflowers
  • Missouri Plants
  • USDA Plant Profile
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Botany on the Byways: Black Walnut

5/17/2023

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National Walnut Day (May 17th) is important in Iowa, as black walnut is the most valuable tree in the state. Iowa continues to rank as one of the leading producers of walnut lumber and veneer. The rich brown color, attractive grain of the wood, and the woodworking quality of the wood makes it the most valuable timber tree in Iowa. Although not as commonly eaten as an English walnut, what you would find in a grocery store, black walnuts can also be eaten if harvested, processed, and stored correctly.
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Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to Iowa and found in all 99 counties. It occurs on a variety of sites, but is most common on bottomlands, stream terraces, and moist sheltered coves and slopes. It grows best on deep, rich, well drained soils. It usually has a full, well-formed trunk with no branches for quite some distance from the ground.  The crown is oval to rounded and somewhat open. A typical black walnut reaches 50 to 75 feet, but it may reach maximum heights of 125 to 150 feet. The leaves are alternately arranged on the twig, compound with 1 to 23 leaflets, and ranging in size from 1 to 2 feet.

Common associates of black walnut vary as much as the sites but include oaks, basswood, maples, ashes, and Kentucky coffeetree. Walnut is considered a good invader species and often is one of the first species to become established in abandoned fields and pastures. Squirrels are especially fond of the nuts and aid in the establishment of walnut on these sites. 

Black walnut roots produce chemicals called juglones which are very toxic to certain other plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, peonies, and solanaceous crops (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes). Most of the toxicity is limited to within the drip line of the tree, but the area of toxicity typically increases outward as the tree matures.

sources: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Dickinson County Conservation

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Black Walnut Fruit - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University
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Black Walnut Leaves - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University
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Black Walnut Fruit - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University
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