Description
Glacial Hills Preserve spans 150 acres just three miles south of Peterson, Iowa, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Little Sioux River bluffs. This unique landscape features a pristine gravel-bottomed stream and supports a rich diversity of prairie ecosystems, including mesic tallgrass and dry hill prairies. It is also home to globally rare species, making it a vital stronghold for biodiversity.
Located within the Little Sioux Valley, the preserve provides essential habitat for native wildflowers, butterflies and grassland-nesting birds.
Despite its natural beauty, the region faces ongoing ecological threats, including fire suppression, invasive plant species and unsustainable grazing. Water quality in rivers, streams and drinking sources is also a concern in this heavily farmed landscape.
Why TNC Selected This Site
Glacial Hills Preserve is a key piece of one of Iowa’s largest remaining native grassland complexes. Located in the Little Sioux Valley, it lies within the state’s highest concentration of prairie remnants outside the Loess Hills.
Historically, Iowa was blanketed by more than 30 million acres of prairie. Today, less than one-tenth of 1% remains, largely due to agricultural development. Glacial Hills Preserve plays a critical role in protecting what little is left of this once-vast ecosystem.
What TNC Is Doing
TNC is actively working to protect and restore the ecological health of the Little Sioux Valley. This includes Glacial Hills Preserve, as well as other nearby preserves such as the 110-acre Freda Haffner Kettlehole State Preserve and Lois Tiffany Prairie.
By protecting large, connected tracts of native prairie, TNC is working to conserve not only rare wildflowers and grasses, but also the birds, mammals and insects that depend on these habitats. These species require expansive, healthy ecosystems to maintain genetic diversity and ensure their long-term survival.
Visitation Guidelines
