Description
Berry Woods was the first preserve owned by the Conservancy in Iowa. It continues to be a great example of central high oak woodland.
Why You Should Visit
Berry Woods is a high-quality mature white oak, red oak, basswood and shagbark hickory woodland that is home to many wildflowers and fungi. Gorgeous wildflower displays in the spring and fall make the site popular for photographers.
Location
4.5 miles northwest of Indianola, Iowa.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Berry Woods is the Iowa chapter’s first preserve. Don L. Berry, the late newspaper publisher and conservationist, deeded this woodland to the Conservancy in 1961 as a memorial to his grandfather and father who had owned and protected the woods for nearly a century. The preserve was dedicated as a biological State Preserve in 1980.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
In addition to the conservation work here, the preserve serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for Simpson College biology classes.