Document Type

Research

Keywords

Iowa, Iowa history, Heritage preservation, Iowa naturalists, Iowa conservation

Abstract

Iowa was blessed with an abundant and diverse natural heritage. The history of problems of preservation of natural areas to depict the types and diversity of original Iowa are presented in an historical framework. The history is divided into 3 eras: an era of settlement (1832-1900), an era of academic concern (1900-1950), and a contemporary era (1950-present). The contemporary era is subdivided into 3 periods: an organizational period (l 950-1965), a period of inactivity (l965-1975), and a period of renewed activity (l 975-present). Two general themes are apparent: (a) numerous plans have been formulated but never adequately implemented, and (b) much of the successes are directly attributable to the active efforts of a very few people. Pre-eminent among Iowa naturalists in preservation efforts are Thomas Macbride, Louis Pammel, Bohumil Shimek and Ada Hayden. Although a resurgence of natural history-related efforts is evident in the last 5 years, the magnitude of the work remaining and the uncertainty of how much time might be left for its implementation, necessitates all Iowa natural historians participate in a more active manner.

Publication Date

March 1981

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

Issue

First Page

Last Page

Copyright

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File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Roosa, Dean M. (1981) "Iowa Natural Heritage Preservation: History, Present Status, and Future Challenges," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 88(1), 43-47.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol88/iss1/12

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Iowa Natural Heritage Preservation: History, Present Status, and Future Challenges

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