Sustainability

A leader in energy efficiency, the Indian Creek Nature Center began using photovoltaics in 1993. The first system stored solar produced electricity in batteries. This type of system allows a homeowner or business to draw…

GrassPave Permeable Paving Permeable paving, unlike standard asphalt or concrete, holds rainwater underground and on-site, instead of sheeting off the surface and contaminating Indian Creek. Planted in 2009, the grass reduces the heat-island affect while providing…

The Indian Creek Nature Center has two wetland restorations. Wetland Septic System Located behind the barn is a constructed wetland septic system that consists of two basins. Drain and toilet waste enters the first basin…

Restoring the Nature Center’s Land For approximately 6,700 years, the land that is now Indian Creek Nature Center was a mixture of prairies and savannas. The landscape ranged from riparian timber along the creek and…

Conserving the Nature Center’s Land Original Nature Center Land 140 acres leased in 1973. Trails invite visitors to explore prairies and savannas, wetlands and pine groves. This land that was once intensely farmed now provides…

Here at the Indian Creek Nature, we are constantly working to implement as many green practices as possible so that we tread gently on the earth. Use this guide to take your own, self-directed “Green…

A conservation easement is a legal device that enables a landowner to permanently protect his or her land from development. The easement is given to a conservation organization, like the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The…