Whiterock Conservancy

Land stewardship and conservation program: Whiterock Conservancy is dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural resources of the middle raccoon river valley by: 1) pursuing a land stewardship and conservation program that demonstrates innovative ecological restoration and sterwardship techniques on Whiterock Conservancy's 1,261 acres of prairie, 1,164 acres of savanna/timber, and 136 acres of wetlands; and 2) working with neighbors, project partners, and other rural landowners to develop, implement, demonstrate economically viable and ecologically sustainable agriculture practices on Whiterock Conservancy's 690 acres of crop land, 684 acres of pasture, and 1,998.04 acres of conservation easement properties.

Outdoor recreation and environmental education: a goal of Whiterock Conservancy is to provide the public with opportunities to access and engage with the outdoors for recreation, renewal, and education to increase appreciation of the cultural, natural and scenic resources of rural Iowa. This goal is accomplished through the operation of Whiterock guest services, designed to facilitate access and engagement by providing various overnight accomodations and a range of programs and events from guided tours, nature walks, fishing, boating, bird watching, etc., along with recreational equipment rentals. Whiterock guest services operates as a fee for service program; however, many activities are available at no charge. Funds raised have been used for construction and maintenance of recreational trails throughout Whiterock Conservancy's land and on 1,400 acres of land owned by the garst family, on which a trail cooridor easement has been secured.