History & archeology
If you think your land is particularly beautiful or special, earlier human visitors probably thought so as well. That’s why many of Iowa’s finest natural areas also contain significant cultural and historic resources—from effigy mounds built by prehistoric cultures to pottery shards left by recent Native American tribes to architecturally unique barns built early in the last century.
Landowners can protect historical resources alone or as part of a larger conservation plan. Like conservation groups, historical groups have staff or volunteers who can talk with you, visit your land and help you better understand what you have and how to protect it. Most historical groups are authorized to accept land or land rights. They can also work in partnership with conservation groups.
Talk it over
To protect a site where the main value is cultural, consider contacting an archeological or historical group. At the state level, contact the Office of the State Archeologist or the State Historical Society of Iowa. You can also contact local historical societies or specialized groups like the Iowa Barn Foundation. To protect the cultural resources as just one part of a larger natural resource, you may want to approach a conservation partner first. Either way, conservation and historical groups can work in partnership with you and each other.
reprinted from Landowner’s Options, © 2007, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
