Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area
The Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area is a 105 acre parcel of land along 170th St., a mile west of Highway 61 between Burlington and Sperry. The land was partially donated to the county by the Linder Family in 2018. The remainder of the purchase was made possible through a REAP grant. The property is maintained as a conservation area so it’s primary purpose is wildlife habitat and natural resources. Activities such as hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing are allowed on the property as per state laws pertaining to public wildlife areas. Portions of the property are still farmed through a local tenant agreement. Visitors should take care to avoid damaging crops.
The effort to turn the Linder Property into a public wildlife area dates back nearly two decades when the landowner, local conservationist Harold Linder, suggested the conservation department purchase the property and turn it into a public wildlife area. Unable to secure the necessary grants, the project was tabled while the department focused on the major development efforts at Big Hollow and the Flint River Trail. Aware of their father's desire to see land protected and made available to the public, Harold's two children renewed the effort to have the conservation department acquire the property following his passing. Throughout 2016 and 2017, the conservation department worked with the Linders and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, eventually agreeing to accept a donation of almost half the land's value and securing a REAP grant for the remainder of the purchase.
This donated land is dedicated to the People of Iowa.
Go out, go out I beg of you
And taste the beauty of the wild.
Behold the miracle of the earth
With all the wonder of a child.
-Edna Jaques (1891-1978)
Location
From Highway 61, turn west onto 170th St. Go one mile. The parking lot is on the south side of the road.
Features
A pond reconstruction was completed in 2020 with help from an
Iowa DNR Fish Habitat Grant. The pond was dredged, enlarged, includes a fishing jetty, fish habitat and spawning beds. It was stocked in late 2020 and early 2021 by the Iowa DNR.
