List of Iowa State Preserves facts for kids

Iowa is a state in the United States with many special natural and historical places. These places are called Iowa State Preserves. They are like protected areas, often small, that have important history or amazing natural features. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources helps to look after these preserves, making sure they stay safe for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

What Are State Preserves?

State Preserves are unique areas set aside to protect Iowa's natural and cultural heritage. They can be ancient forests, wide-open prairies, interesting caves, or even old Native American sites. The main goal is to keep these places just as they are, so future generations can experience their beauty and learn about Iowa's past.

Why Are They Important?

These preserves are super important for many reasons:

• Protecting Nature: They save rare plants and animals that might not survive elsewhere. Imagine a special flower or a unique bird that only lives in one small area – preserves help keep them safe.
• Learning About History: Some preserves protect historical sites, like ancient burial mounds or old forts. These places teach us about the people who lived in Iowa long ago.
• Scientific Study: Scientists use preserves to study nature without human interference. This helps them understand how ecosystems work and how to protect the environment.
• Education and Enjoyment: Many preserves are open to the public for hiking, birdwatching, or just enjoying nature. They are great places to learn about Iowa's natural world.

Types of Preserves You Might Find

Iowa's State Preserves protect a wide variety of landscapes and historical sites. Here are some examples of what you might discover:

• Prairies: These are vast grasslands, once common across Iowa, filled with tall grasses and colorful wildflowers. They are home to many insects, birds, and small animals.
• Forests and Woodlands: Some preserves protect old-growth forests with towering trees, offering a glimpse into what Iowa looked like centuries ago.
• Caves and Canyons: You might find preserves with fascinating rock formations, hidden caves, or deep canyons carved by ancient rivers.
• Mounds and Archaeological Sites: Many preserves protect ancient earth mounds built by Native American cultures, which are important historical treasures.
• Wetlands and Lakes: Some preserves protect vital wetlands, fens, or small lakes that are crucial habitats for waterfowl and other aquatic life.

A List of Iowa State Preserves

Here is an alphabetical list of some of the special places protected as Iowa State Preserves. Each one has its own unique story and features, waiting to be explored or appreciated for its importance.

• A.F. Miller State Preserve
• Ames High Prairie State Preserve
• Anderson Prairie State Preserve
• Behrens Pond and Woodlands State Preserve
• Berry Woods State Preserve
• Bird Hill State Preserve
• Bixby State Preserve
• Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve
• Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve
• Brushy Creek State Preserve
• Cameron Woods State Preserve
• Casey's Paha State Preserve
• Catfish Creek State Preserve
• Cayler Prairie State Preserve
• Cedar Bluffs State Preserve
• Cedar Hills Sand Prairie State Preserve
• Cheever Lake State Preserve
• Clay Prairie State Preserve
• Claybanks Forest State Preserve
• Cold Water Spring State Preserve
• Crossman Prairie State Preserve
• Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
• Dinesen Prairie State Preserve
• Doolittle Prairie State Preserve
• Fallen Rock State Preserve
• Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve
• Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
• Fleming Woods State Preserve
• Fort Atkinson State Preserve
• Freda Haffner Kettlehole State Preserve
• Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
• Hanging Bog State Preserve
• Hardin City Woodland State Preserve
• Hartley Fort State Preserve
• Hayden Prairie State Preserve
• Hoffman Prairie State Preserve
• Indian Bluffs Primitive Area State Preserve
• Indian Fish Trap State Preserve
• Kalsow Prairie State Preserve
• Kish-Ke-Kosh Prairie State Preserve
• Lamson Woods State Preserve
• Liska-Stanek Prairie State Preserve
• Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve
• Malanaphy Springs State Preserve
• Malchow Mounds State Preserve
• Manikowski Prairie State Preserve
• Mann Wilderness Area State Preserve
• Marietta Sand Prairie State Preserve
• Mericle Woods State Preserve
• Merrill A. Stainbrook State Preserve
• Merritt Forest State Preserve
• Montauk State Preserve
• Mossy Glen State Preserve
• Mount Pisgah Cemetery State Preserve
• Mount Talbot State Preserve
• Nestor Stiles Prairie State Preserve
• Ocheyedan Mound State Preserve
• Old State Quarry State Preserve
• Palisades-Downs State Preserve
• Pecan Grove State Preserve
• Pellett Woods State Preserve
• Pilot Grove State Preserve
• Pilot Knob State Preserve
• Retz Woods State Preserve
• Roberts Creek State Preserve
• Rock Creek Island State Preserve
• Rock Island State Preserve
• Roggman Boreal Slopes State Preserve
• Rolling Thunder Prairie State Preserve
• Saint James Lutheran Church State Preserve
• Savage Woods State Preserve
• Searryl's Cave State Preserve
• Sheeder Prairie State Preserve
• Silver Lake Fen State Preserve
• Silvers-Smith Woods State Preserve
• Slinde Mounds State Preserve
• Starr's Cave State Preserve
• Steele Prairie State Preserve
• Stinson Prairie State Preserve
• Strasser Woods State Preserve
• Sylvan Runkel State Preserve
• Toolesboro Mounds State Preserve
• Turin Loess Hills State Preserve
• Turkey River Mounds State Preserve
• White Pine Hollow State Preserve
• Williams Prairie State Preserve
• Wittrock Indian Village State Preserve
• Woodland Mounds State Preserve
• Woodman Hollow State Preserve
• Woodthrush State Preserve