Trails
 

A Short Introduction to Grimes Farm (with a shorter history of how it got here):

Partly a nature preserve, partly a farm, partly an education center, and partly a recreation area, Grimes Farm is an unusual public space that combines a working agricultural operation with the natural environment to show how, through effective conservation techniques, agriculture can work in harmony with the various ecosystems that make up the local landscape.

Grimes Farm encompasses a diverse array of environments.

Woodlands: Leonard and Mildred Grimes have planted and cared for thousands of trees since they moved to the farm in 1964. Their timber stand improvement plan has included selective harvesting and management to begin to reproduce a native hardwood forest.

Prairie Grasses: A great diversity of grasses and forbs improve the soil and water quality. Prairie grasses have deep roots that slow erosion, return organic matter to the soil and clean the water by acting as a filter.

Wetlands: The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Marshall County Conservation Board together created the prairie potholes, a filtering device for water that creates a wonderful wildlife habitat. The American Discovery Bike Trail will eventually meander among the prairie potholes and already a raised boardwalk (built in 1998 by Eagle Scout candidates) offers some fine vistas for birding.

Agricultural Areas: No-till planting, contour farming, grassy waterways and headlands, and riparian buffer strips are all techniques that prevent the rich soil from further erosion and improve the water quality. Each technique can be observed within a small area on the farm.

Linn Creek: Meandering and peaceful, the creek is an example of a typical Iowa stream. In addition to a kind of lazy beauty, Linn Creek offers a wildlife habitat for deer, raccoons, beaver, and otters.

Hills: Expanses of rolling Iowa countryside can be seen in almost all directions, especially from the lookout point on the agricultural and ecological trail.

The Past...

After Leonard and Mildred Grimes purchased the farm just west of Marshalltown in 1964, they worked diligently to heal the then existing abuses to the land. Over the years they significantly reduced soil erosion by planting grasses, using no-till agricultural practices, establishing waterways, constructing terraces, building a farm pond, and planting and caring for thousands of trees. They transformed a "poor farm" into an excellent example of land that is productive, profitable, and beautiful.

Since 1964 the farm has been used as an outdoor classroom for area 5th and 6th grade students. A day spent in this "classroom" is coordinated by the public school teachers assisted by guest instructors from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Marshall County Conservation Board. Together they have helped the students understand their relationship to soil, air, water, sunlight, and to all living things. The students walk the trails into forest and prairie and explore the pond. They dig holes into the ground to examine topsoils and subsoils and learn about the many animals and plants living in the soil.

The good news for us all is that conservation education will continue and become permanent at Grimes Farm. Through the generosity of Leonard and Mildred, 160 acres of land has been donated to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Grimes Farm is now an increasingly popular destination for local bicyclists, birders, walkers/hikers, and others who wish to enjoy and learn about Marshall County's natural heritage and about ways we can preserve it.

Present and Future

Hiking trails are now available which provide access to the forests, wetlands, prairies, and crop lands. Visitors are welcome to explore the trails. Simply follow any trail of interest to learn how Grimes Farm is being used and managed for forests, prairies, wetlands, and wildlife as well as modern agricultural production and soil conservation. Also, interpretive programs, to which the public is invited, are scheduled periodically throughout the year.

The Marshall County Conservation Board uses Grimes Farm in fulfilling its commitment to conservation education. The Nature Center provides support for conservation education, adequate space for natural history exhibits, and rooms for indoor meetings and activities.