Fred Maytag II Family Preserve
Why you should visit:
The site is one of the only channel fens in Iowa. It is home to many rare plants, reptiles and amphibians, including the yellow monkey flower and the central newt.
Location:
The Fred Maytag II Family Preserve is immediately east of the town of Conesville, Iowa. The area is also known as Cone Lake and The Turtle Farm. To reach the preserve, go east on the first gravel road north of town.
Size:
84 acres
Conditions:
Even though the area looks like solid ground, there are many areas that are just small spongy areas of land floating on water. The Massasauga rattlesnake is found here, so watch your step when visiting. Wear appropriate footwear for a wet and muddy area or view the area from the nearby gravel road.
Be prepared to deal with mosquitoes.
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
What to see: Plants
The yellow monkey flower, button bush and big leaved goldenrod are found at this site. This is the only known location for big-leaved goldenrod in Iowa.
What to see: Animals
Important animals to see in the Fred Maytag II site include Massasauga rattlesnakes, Blanding's turtles, many other species of turtle and the central newt.
Why the Conservancy Selected this site:
This area is of G-1 importance, meaning this is one of the most rare plant and animal communities of its kind in the world. There is an extremely high concentration of biodiversity within the Fred Maytag II preserve site.
What the Conservancy had done/is doing:
The Conservancy is working with adjacent land owners to create a buffer around the edge of the wetland, allowing local turtles to nest without the threat of being tilled up as farmers plant crops.
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