(Arnolds Park)– The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation says they’re closing in on a fundraising goal to purchase 73 acres of land just north of Henderson Woods on the southeast side of Arnolds Park. Abby Hade Terpstra, Director of Philanthropy for the organization, says they’ve entered the home stretch…
“We have until October 31st to raise our $1.9 million to purchase the property, to exercise the option to purchase the property, and we have just about $290,000 left to raise. So we’re feeling really good about the momentum. The community has stepped up in such an encouraging way and shown their generosity and belief in this being a natural area that can help protect the land and keep water quality at the forefront of our minds and provide a space for outdoor recreation.”
Terpstra reminds us as to what happens pending a successful conclusion to raising the needed funds…
“So while it’s in our ownership, our non-profit will place a conservation easement on the property which means it will stay a natural space permanently and has all the legal needs that surround that to make that happen. Then Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation will transfer the property to the city of Arnolds Park, they will be the permanent owner and they will manage the property. But they have the helping hands of Dickinson County Conservation who we know does such great work with restoration work up in the area, and Ducks Unlimited also has a great wealth of knowledge about wetland restoration that will come to play on this property.”
She goes on to thank those who have supported the effort so far…
“Just a huge thanks to everybody who has stepped up to help promote the project, to support the project with their gift, with their pledge, and to help get the word out. This is truly a community-driven project and we’re just grateful to be part of it.”
To make a donation or to find out more about the project, go to INHF.org/ArnoldsPark.
Photo: Arnolds Park Mayor Jim Hussong standing next to sign on site of environmentally sensitive land Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is raising funds to purchase on southeast side of the city of Arnolds Park.
