Two Iowa families donated adjoining properties totaling 21 acres for wildlife; the land was transferred to county conservation for public use

When families own land for generations, it is often passed on to relatives, sold, or developed for a new purpose. But in rural Iowa, two landowners made a different decision. Instead of keeping or selling their properties, they chose to donate them so that the land could remain open for wildlife while becoming a place where anyone could enjoy nature.

The donated properties include 10 acres of mixed habitat through a conservation process involving the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Their neighbor Gail Ewan likewise donated an adjacent 11 acres, and both properties were later transferred to Pocahontas County Conservation for public management. The donations were highlighted as part of Iowa’s efforts to recognize landowners who protect natural areas for conservation.

Two properties, one conservation area


Neither of the properties was large on its own, but together they created something more valuable than two separate parcels. Because the donated lands border each other, they now create one connected conservation area rather than two separate habitat patches. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation noted that the combination of both properties will offer natural habitat protection, areas for outdoor recreation, and benefits for the wildlife as well. The transfer also means the land will remain under the care of Pocahontas County Conservation, ensuring it can be managed for conservation rather than future development.

The size and layout of conservation zones are both critical factors in protecting wildlife habitat. When habitat patches are small and scattered, they cut off wildlife populations and limit their food supply. If fragments of land are set aside for conservation, then connected stretches of land are created, enabling animals to move freely. The Pascal and Ewan donations include mixed habitat and also create a natural environment for promoting activities such as walking, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. Conservation managers can care for habitat often more effectively over time when protecting adjoining land, as opposed to isolated parcels.

The public benefit of private conservation

The donation is not just about the plants and animals already in place; it is also about creating a healthier environment. The land will then also be accessible to public recreation when transferred to county conservation. In Iowa, similar projects have demonstrated how donated land can strengthen nearby conservation areas, improve wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and learn about nature.

When a land donation becomes a legacy

Unlike many charitable gifts, land conservation is a gift that lasts beyond the transfer of ownership. Once protected, land uses are influenced over the long haul. Native vegetation can be restored, wildlife habitat enhanced, and local communities benefit from being able to enjoy open space. The 21-acre donation will keep the surrounding lots intact, rather than subdivided into separate projects, for the Pascal and Ewan families. Beyond the land value, the gift of the acreage is also one of preservation of a place that can be used and enjoyed by wildlife and people alike.

The numbers behind Iowa’s conservation efforts

In 2025, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation reported that individuals, families, and organizations continued using land donations, conservation easements, and other methods to protect natural areas across the state. Besides prairie and woodland, the protected area contains wetlands, streams, and open farmland essential for habitat development and improving the scenic experience for Iowans. The adjoining 21-acre gift shows how private land decisions can contribute to broader conservation goals. As governments often administer parks and wildlife areas, many landscapes that eventually become public conservation lands begin with landowners who wish to leave nature as their legacy.