Expansion of Stone State Park announced

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Woodlands, prairies, ravines and ridges covering 63 acres will soon be added to Stone State Park in Sioux City.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation organization, recently purchased property on Stone State Park's southern border from landowners James and Herta Schenck in order to preserve Loess Hills prairies, protect wildlife habitat and safeguard rare plant and animal species. Those who hike on the addition will enjoy a sweeping view of the Missouri River Valley and Sioux City.

"Acquiring the Schenck property will help protect the southern border of the 1,069-acre park from development and preserve that backcountry feel we cherish," said Kevin Pape, Northwest District Parks Supervisor with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Very few communities in Iowa have such a high quality habitat within their city limits. High quality prairie is a rare commodity in Iowa."

The property's natural lands are home to rare quaking aspens and the state-threatened narrow-leafed milkweed. While studies of this site have only begun, park officials believe that dozens of butterfly species and many other native plants and animals may also be thriving on this property.

The IDNR will manage the addition once it is open for public use.

The Kind World Foundation, a local, private foundation, provided the lead gift for this project with a $23,000 challenge grant. This gift helped INHF secure a grant of $73,875 from the state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program and $20,000 from the Loess Hills Alliance. INHF and some of its individual members provided $8,250.

Norm and Amanda Wait, founders of The Kind World Foundation, said, "We see this purchase as a rare opportunity to preserve a jewel for our community."

The Friends of Stone State Park, a nonprofit volunteer organization created to enhance recreational opportunities and natural resources of Stone State Park, will work locally to promote and protect the site. A combined dedication ceremony and volunteer workday is planned for Spring 2005.

"The Friends of Stone State Park is very excited about this expansion," said Greg Hoversten, chairman of the organization. "The addition of prairie to the southernmost border of Stone Park's undeveloped woodlands adds nice mix to the landscape."

INHF has protected more than 2,500 acres in Woodbury County, including parts of the Owego Wetlands Complex south of Sioux City. INHF has helped expand several other state parks in the past and has created a special State Parks and Preserves Gift Fund for those wishing to support state park expansions.

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For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.