Land Conservation & Restoration
The Nature Center grew to 234 acres in late 2001 with the gift of 24 acres of woodland by
lifetime members Bob and Beth Allsop. The new parcel is located in northeast Cedar Rapids.
The Allsops donated the land in an effort to protect it from further development and to
support the Nature Center’s mission. The woods are dominated by mature oaks, hickories,
and sugar maples growing in steep ravines. Its in-town location makes it a haven for
wildlife, including indigo buntings and pileated woodpeckers. The land is not yet open
to the public.
The Indian Creek Nature Center is dedicated to protecting the land we have, and
restoring it to pre-settlement conditions. Staff and volunteers are always working
on a wide range of restoration activities. Conservation projects vary with the season,
amount of degradation an area has suffered, and the desired habitat. The Nature Center
is reconstructing tallgrass prairies, restoring oak-hickory savannas, and improving wetlands
and riparian habitats. Restoration activities include: removing exotic trees and plants;
planting native trees and plants; managing controlled burns in appropriate areas; and,
creating animal nest boxes and habitats.
Our Trails
About four miles of trails wind through maple sugarbush, riparian woods, tallgrass
prairies, oak-hickory savannas and deciduous forest. Enjoy hiking, bird watching,
cross country skiing and jogging while you explore 210 acres of land in various
stages of ecological restoration. The trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Rules of the Trails:
Help us in our mission.
- Please keep horses, bicycles, weapons and motorized vehicles off of the property.
- Please keep pets on leashes, and remove feces deposited by your animals.
- Please leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
- Please do not release animals or introduce plants onto the property.
- Please carry out your trash.
Caution—poison ivy is abundant. It may cause an itchy rash on humans, but it is an important
wildlife food source. Poison oak does not live in Iowa.
Trails
Floodplain trail (green, .6 miles, posts 1-6). Even footing, trail winds through the riparian
floodplain, along Indian Creek and through the prairie.
Woodland Trail (red, 1.6 miles, posts 5, 24-31, 19-23). Steep hills and ravines; trail winds
through deciduous forest, savanna and prairie.
Prairie Trail (blue, 2.5 miles, posts 5-23). Gentle hills, trail winds through prairie,
savanna and across Bena Brook. Visit the reconstructed wetland.
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