Story County Conservation manages more than 3,100 acres of parks and natural areas, including lakes, campgrounds, and trails, and an additional 5,500 acres of roadside habitat through our Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program. The environmental education staff serves Story County schools and the public with interpretive and informational programs for all ages. Story County Conservation's volunteer program provides volunteer opportunities to individuals and groups interested in making a difference in local natural resources. 

Story County Conservation

The genesis of this park stemmed from a need to make the most of an undevelopable greenspace in the heart of the ISU Research Park. Partnerships and visions formed and a live learning laboratory complete with sustainable technologies was born. This 37-acre park shows that commercial development, quality of life improvements, and natural resource conservation can co-exist. 
The landscape was restored to its historic state, but the land still has some healing to do. Plantings that stabilize the streambank will start to fill in, the prairie will become established, and various wildlife will return. Your photos will help paint the picture of ecological restoration. 


Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor 

It might look like someone went chainsaw-happy, but trees in this area were removed with intention. Staff cut down Siberian elm, honey suckle, and buckthorn, which are all invasive species. We also removed mulberry and ironwood to allow for more sunlight to reach the understory, giving grasses and forbs a chance to grow. Because diversity is an important consideration when conducting timber stand improvement, remaining species include oak and hickory, with some scattered honey locust, hackberry, black cherry, ash, and native elm. Watch as the understory comes back to life!  

McFarland Park timber stand improvement

Every manmade lake has a lifespan. Deteriorating water quality beginning in the early 2000s indicated a need for a watershed-wide approach to restoring the nearly 100-acre lake built in the 1960s.  Issues included unpermitted septic systems, nutrient and sediment pollution, erosion, bacteria, and a large population of common carp. It took many partners and many years to develop and execute the lake restoration plan. 
We’re now in the final stages of the restoration, which centers on in-lake work. Your photos will document the return of Story County’s flagship park! 

Story County Conservation

Iowa

3 chronologs managed by Story County Conservation

Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor

McFarland Park timber stand improvement

Hickory Grove Lake

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