September 22-30 – Second Annual Loess Hills and Heritage Week

Last year, Golden Hills RC&D coordinated and collaborated with conservation boards, Loess Hills Alliance, Bill Blackburn, and others, creating Loess Hills and Heritage Week to celebrate western Iowa’s unique and cultural assets.   During this week, individuals can escape from the hustle of work life and enjoy western Iowa’s Loess Hills during the second annual Loess Hills and Heritage Week, September 22-30, 2018.  This week will “showcase the unique geological, topographical, archeological, and other distinct aspects of the Loess hills, including their special plants, animals, and history.”  

The events span to several western counties in Iowa:  Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills, and Fremont. Some of the events include Literary Loess, Hike and Write, and a Pawpaw festival at Waubonsie State Park, Nature Calls in Sioux City, Apple Fest in Woodbury, Loess Hills Parks and Peaks Bike Ride, and multiple events at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Pottawattamie County.  The complete list of events can be located on the following website:  http://www.visitloesshills.org/events-list.html.  

The Loess Hills (pronounced “Luss”), meaning loose or crumbly, is one of Iowa’s important natural resources, ranging 640,000 Acres, across Western Iowa.  Blackburn said, “To get people to protect the hills, we have to get people engaged, being mindful of the economic, social, and environmental impacts.”  According to the Nonprofit Scenic America, these hills have unique plant and animal species and native Iowa prairie, making the Loess Hills one of the 10 ten most scenic byways in the United States.
 
Experience the Loess Hills.  From a bike. On a hike.  With food.  All during Loess Hills and Heritage Week.  For more information, contact Tina at Tina@goldenhillsrcd.org or 712.482.3029.