DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports more than 3,200 acres of Iowa land in 22 counties with an estimated value of more than $11 million was permanently protected through donations for conservation. The donors associated with 26 donations of land or land value will be recognized during a ceremony on March 24, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the first floor rotunda, at the State Capitol, in Des Moines.

Among the southwest/western Iowa landowners who will be recognized, is:

• Marcia Buresh, who donated a conservation easement on and title to 280 acres of mixed habitat near Crescent in Pottawattamie County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF). Marcia wanted to permanently protect the remnant prairie, diverse bur oak woodland and Cresent Creek, which flows through the property’s southern portion. A history of organic and sustainable farming practices has improved wildlife habitat and will support ongoing ecological restoration efforts. The site will contribute to INHF’s land stewardship efforts throughout the Loess Hills.
• Marily and Bob Caddy donated a conservation easement on 53 acres of remnant and reconstructed prairie and oak woodland in the Loess Hills in Monona County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The property has been a retreat and reunion site for the Anderson-Caddy family for decades. The Caddys have put significant work into native habitat restoration. The conservation easement ensures it will remain in its natural state for future generations.
• Renate Harker bequeathed 20 acres of mixed habitat near Sac City in Sac County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Prairie restoration will enhance existing wildlife habitat, reduce erosion and promote water infiltration in the North Raccoon River watershed.
• Janice Niemann donated seven acres of remnant tallgrass prairie near Underwood in Pottawattamie County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Its permanent protection provides refuge for wildlife in an area with little native habitat. Prairie seed collected from this site will be used to expand and restore other regional prairies.
• Eric Roberts and Stephen Prime donated 10 acres of Loess Hills remnant prairie in Missouri Valley in Harrison County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The property has been transferred to Harrison County Conservation, which stewards the Hoary puccoon, ground plum, lead plant and other conservative prairie species that dot the hillsides. The property’s proximity to a population base offers potential hiking, birding, picnicking and more recreational opportunities.

Landowners who are in attendance will be honored individually for their donation. For more information about individual donations, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/landdonors.