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Natural Resources

The vast natural resources across the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens’ 160 acres includes prairie restorations, native woodland, ravines, and more. The protection and management of these natural resources is a crucial part of our mission and vision.

We ask for your participation in helping us be good stewards of these lands by staying on the designated pathways and trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The unauthorized collecting of seed, germplasm, or any plant material is strictly prohibited without prior written consent. Plant collections are available to outside researchers, botanists, and horticulturists to utilize for their projects with advance approval by the Material Transfer Agreement form. Please indicate your interest for a collection two business weeks before intended collection date so we can complete this form to have permission granted.

The Arboretum has been managing parts of these woodlands and prairies for decades, using research based approaches to management and conservation. Catalogues of species diversity and richness are ongoing, helping us steer our efforts towards the preservation of the most species richness possible. Lists of observations and their relative abundance are available on individual pages below. Details of our management strategies as well as features of these natural spaces are also included.

Please be aware that leaving designated pathways may take you off of Iowa Arboretum & Gardens property. Most of our land is bordered by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Department of Natural Resources owned property, but public access may be denied.

Hunting and the possession of firearms on Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is prohibited.

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Natural Resources Pages

Herrick Memorial Trail

A picturesque dead end trail 1/4 mile long that takes you down 133 steps winding across a ravine slope.

Page in progress

Overlook Trail

1/2 mile of upland wooded trail gives scenic views of the Richardson Branch Creek valley 100 feet below. 

Page in progress

Prairie Restoration

This quite path follows the woodland edge around 4 acres of prairie packed with wildlife and flowers.

Learn more >

Treehouse Village Trail

This accessible pathway takes you between treehouses, our playground, and suspension bridge in the woodland.

Page in progress

Walnut Trail

Our longest hiking trail, this 3/4 mile trail takes you deep into the woods for excellent wildlife and flower viewing.

Page in progress