Great Horned Owl
Native grasses and trees
Wetland
Wildlife on Restored Wetlands
Native Plants
Mississippi River From Pike's PeakParks: To Save a Natural Place
Swimming, boating, hiking and picnicking
are a few of the recreational activities available at the many state parks
in Iowa. Before there were state parks, people found their own picnic areas
along roadsides or in the woods. Around the turn of the 20th century, people
joined together to try to persuade the State Department of Conservation to
buy land for parks and wildlife refuges. Creating parks would preserve the
land before it was all used up for farms or industries. These groups led the
way in Iowa just as President Theodore Roosevelt led the way to set aside
land for national parks.
One group that helped to bring about state-owned parks was the Iowa Federation
of Women (IFW). This group saw the need to preserve and conserve our natural
resources for future generations. May McNider (1863-1954) of Mason City acted
as chairwoman of the Conservation Department in the IFW. She tried to get
the support of the women's club members. May McNider gave talks and wrote
articles to persuade businesspeople and state officials of the need to purchase
land for state parks. Mrs. McNider's efforts were successful. The first state
park, Devil's Backbone (now Backbone State Park), was established in 1920.
Mrs. McNider took particular interest in Pilot Knob, near her home in Mason
City. The area was named for a hill called Pilot Knob, which rises 300 feet
above the surrounding land. The hill served as a landmark for pioneers crossing
the state through the tall prairie grass.
Mrs. McNider believed Pilot Knob would be a special park. The knob is the
second highest point in the state. The land formation (boulders, clay and
gravel) and nearby water attracted unusual wildlife that Mrs. McNider wanted
to see preserved. A variety of shrubs surrounded the spring-fed "Dead
Man's Lake." A water-lily unlike any other found in Iowa grew in the
lake. There were water birds, the brown thrasher, robins, blue jays, whippoorwills,
mourning doves, owls and hawks. An occasional red fox, badger and muskrat
was also seen in the park area. After several years of hard work, Pilot Knob
Park was dedicated on September 11, 1924.
In 1922 there were 14 state parks and by 1943 the number had grown to 86.
In 1983 there were 101 state parks, forests and preserves throughout the state
of Iowa.
Our state parks are one example of a way to conserve and preserve the natural
environment. By maintaining these parks and respecting the wildlife found
there, Iowans continue the tradition of Mrs. McNider.
