Who can help you protect land in Iowa?
Iowa has many public agencies and private organizations you might consider as conservation partners to protect your land in the manner you envision. Not sure where to start? INHF can help you navigate what options and organizations would be the best fit for your individual protection route.
Land Trusts
Permanent land protection is central to the missions of these private, nonprofit organizations.
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Bur Oak Land Trust
Four Mounds Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT)
Whiterock Conservancy
For land not in Iowa:
Land Trust Alliance can direct you to land trusts that serve other states.
Local, state or federal government agencies
These public agencies manage natural land that’s available to the public.
You might talk about land protection with agency staff that serves the area where your land is located. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation can help introduce you to people at these agencies who serve the land and landowners in your area. INHF frequently assists landowners with the transfer of land to public agencies, too.
County Conservation Boards
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Speak with a Private Lands Biologist.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
For culturally important lands
If your land has archeological or historical features, as well as natural features, that you’d like to protect, these public agencies might be able to add their help.
Office of the State Archaeologist
State Historical Society of Iowa
Conservation organizations
Many nonprofits with conservation missions will consider accepting a donation or bequest of land for conservation purposes. Your gift might be able to support the organization as well as protect your land.
You might talk with your favorite conservation organization(s) about possibilities, or talk with INHF to learn about organizations whose missions most closely match your interests and your desires for your land.