In 1998, an Iowa couple bought land to restore a lost landscape; 25 years later, it became home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species

In 1998, Jim and Kathy Kessler bought a piece of land west of Grinnell, Iowa, in the United States, with a plan to restore its natural landscape. Over the next 25 years, Jim worked to bring back native plants and habitats.

The couple later donated 30 acres of the property to Bur Oa Land Trust in 2018. The conservation organisation now helps protect the land and continue its management.

Jim's work was driven by his interest in nature, his experience as a teacher and his belief that caring for the environment was part of his Christian faith.

What was the inspiration behind it?

Jim grew up on a dairy farm, and spent much of his childhood outdoors. He studies natural sciences teaching and earned a master's degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa.

His interest in environmental protection grew around the time of the first Earth Day in 1970. He read a book called A Moment in the Sun, which discussed the environmental crisis and left a big impact on him.

However, seeing a prairie in bloom was what made him understand the importance of protecting such landscapes. He later watched the same prairie get ploughed and converted for farming.

The couple decided that if they got an opportunity to buy land near Grinnell and their church, they would restore its natural habitat.

How did they find the land?

Kathy, at a meeting once mentioned that the couple were looking for land near Grinnell.

A developer associated with the group had timber and 20 acres of land for sale, but the property was under an option agreement. Jim asked the developer to contact him if the agreement was dropped. About two weeks later, the option was dropped.

The couple bought the property in 1998, and began their work.

How did Jim bring the landscape back to life?

Jim consulted experts, including Daryl Smith, founder of the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa, to learn about restoring the land.

He brought native plants from across the county, worked to remove invasive species and grew some plants in the couple's greenhouse. Through research, learning and trial and error, he reconstructed the prairie and wetland habitats.

Why did the couple donate 30 acres?

In 2018, Jim and Kathy donated 30 acres to Bur Oak Land Trust to protect the restoration work and help ensure that the land would continue to be managed in the future.

Jim said he had once wondered whether he would live long enough to see the woodland restoration completed. The trust's involvement helped accelerate changes in the woodland.