Officials with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation have announced they have reached the Foundation’s $1.9 million fundraising goal for the Arnolds Park Nature Area and will purchase the property to ensure it is protected and open to the public.

In a press release, the INHF said a flurry of donations over the final weeks of the campaign made it possible for INHF to exercise an option to purchase the 73-acre property before an Oct. 31 deadline. More than 300 individuals and families donated to support the vision for a city-owned park in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes, managed with water quality, flood reduction, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation in mind.

INHF partnered with the city of Arnolds Park, Ducks Unlimited and Dickinson County Conservation to raise the necessary funding. Dozens of community partners — including East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation, the Okoboji Protective Association and Iowa Great Lakes Pheasants Forever — championed the project and made meaningful contributions.

After closing on the sale, INHF will place a conservation easement on the property, ensuring its permanent protection. INHF will then transfer ownership to the city of Arnolds Park, and work with partners to plan for wetland and prairie restoration work on the site.   The city plans to install a small parking area, a picnic shelter, and soft surface trails through the park. Eventually, an off-road bike trail along the east side of the property will connect the Great Lakes Spine Trail north toward Bridges Bay.  Any funds raised in excess of the purchase price will go directly toward the native habitat restoration happening on site.

INHF is grateful to all the partners and supporters that made this project possible. Your efforts are improving the quality of life for Great Lakes-area residents and visitors and supporting INHF’s mission to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife.

Supporters that made a pledge to the project can make a pledge payment online or send a check in the mail to:
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
505th Ave, Ste 444
Des Moines, IA 50309