landowner stories | Blog | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Gift to Iowa's Future Day 2026

Posted on March 30, 2026 at 10:35 AM by Erica Place

In 2025, INHF was fortunate enough to work with 22 individuals, families and organizations who chose to permanently protect the land they cherish by donating land, land value or conservation easements.

Tagged As: For landowners, Gift to Iowa's future, Iowa landowner options, Landowner stories

Looking out for Okoboji

Posted on January 17, 2018 at 10:00 AM by Katy Heggen

Standing on the shore of West Lake Okoboji looking out over the water, you can still imagine it: the lake...

Tagged As: Conservation easement, Iowa great lakes, Iowa landowner options, Land donation, Landowner stories, Okoboji

Thinking it Through

Posted on January 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM by Anita O'Gara

Rich Zeis believes his land at Spencer's Grove is “the third prettiest place in Iowa,” and it’s easy to see...

Tagged As: Bequest, Conservation, INHF, Iowa landowner options, Landowner stories, Natural areas, Reserved life estate, Restoration

Inspired by Ancient Oaks

Posted on December 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM by Anita O'Gara

Cal Parrott simply wanted a place to explore where he could spend more time in nature with his photography hobby....

Tagged As: Bargain sale, Conservation, Education, INHF, Iowa landowner options, Landowner stories, Natural areas, Restoration, Wildlife

Keep it Wild

Posted on December 6, 2017 at 10:00 AM by Anita O'Gara

Brothers Mike and Dan DeCook. Photo by Erin Van Waus From their ridge pasture, three generations of the DeCook family...

Tagged As: Conservation easement, INHF, Iowa landowner options, Landowner stories

A Place for Nature

Posted on August 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM by Leo Schlunz

Leo Schlunz with INHF land stewardship interns INHF's land stewardship interns spend a day on Leo's (in white shirt) property...

Tagged As: Conservation easement, INHF, Land, Landowner stories, Preservation, Reserved life estate, Restoration

Sharing their love for land

Posted on September 12, 2016 at 12:00 PM by Lori Southard Howe

Gathered around the Hill House dining table, the stories flowed about Leonard and Mildred Grimes. “I think Mom was the...

Tagged As: Conservation, Donation, Education, Farming, Grimes, INHF, Land, Landowner stories, Marshall county conservation board, Nature, Reserved life estate, Restoration

Anna's Place

Posted on September 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM by Lori Southard Howe

David Marlow climbs the hillside trails, framed all around with oak, hickory, maple, ironwood and walnut trees, with the ease...

Tagged As: Conservation easement, INHF, ISU, Landowner stories, Nature, Restoration

Permanently Protecting a Loess Hills Treasure

Posted on September 12, 2016 at 9:00 AM by Joe Jayjack

John Wanamaker may not know precisely how many babies he delivered in his career as a doctor, but he can...

Tagged As: Bluebirds, Conservation easement, Fremont county, Iowa DNR, Landowner stories, Loess hills, Nature, Preservation

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