Open House to Showcase Potential Addition to Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve, 3 – 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25th.
EVERYONE, please consider joining us from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Friday, September 25th at Vincent Bluffs Nature Preserve to learn about the exciting effort to expand the preserve by adding 29 acres to the north including much of Old Skyline Drive plus more of our one-of-a-kind Loess Hills scenic viewshed and surroundings.
Many thanks to our project partner, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, for hosting this wonderful get together.
Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve can be reached by parking or walking to the end of Thallas Street off of Woodbury Avenue in Council Bluffs.
President,
Loess Hills Preservation Society with the Board and friends
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COUNCIL BLUFFS – Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation will host an open house at Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve on Friday, Sept. 25, to showcase a potential 29-acre addition to the preserve.
The event will take place at the shelter at Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve, 2200 Thallas St, Council Bluffs, from 3-7 p.m.
INHF staff and partners will be on hand to answer questions about the project, show maps of the potential addition and give updates on the fundraising campaign to purchase the addition to the preserve.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and attendees are welcome to come and go anytime during the 3-7 p.m. timeframe.
INHF is partnering with the Loess Hills Preservation Society and the City of Council Bluffs to pursue the acquisition and permanent protection of this 29-acre addition.
This property includes the prominent prairie bluff visible to travelers entering Iowa on I-80 and is a much-loved local landmark known historically as Old Skyline Drive and Boy Scout Point. The site lies directly west of the existing Vincent Bluff State Nature Preserve and was identified in the city masterplan as being a place to preserve if the opportunity ever arose.
Vincent Bluff is a steep loess slope of tallgrass prairie, bordered by bur oak woodlands. In a highly urban setting, it is home to many of Iowa’s endemic prairie plant and animal species.
INHF has secured an option to purchase the land that allows time to raise the funds for the acquisition. The Iowa West Foundation gave a lead gift of $387,000. INHF’s fundraising goal is $800,000 for the remainder of the purchase and initial restoration activities.
If the property is successfully purchased, ownership will be transferred to the City of Council Bluffs, and property maintenance will be supported by the Loess Hills Preservation Society.
It will be open for the public to enjoy, and a second access point may be added from the nearby neighborhood. Learn more at www.inhf.org/Vincent-Bluff