The Mahaska Partnership has been recognized through the Resilient Iowa Communities (RIC) program administered by the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE), receiving two Gold Awards in Land Use and Environmental
Management, along with a Bronze Award in Building and Energy, for recent community-based projects throughout Mahaska County and the City of Oskaloosa.
The Mahaska Partnership is a collaborative effort between Mahaska County Conservation, the City of Oskaloosa, the Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District, and William Penn University, with active collaboration from Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Together, these partners work across disciplines and jurisdictions to implement projects that enhance environmental resilience, sustainability, and quality of
life.
Recent accomplishments recognized through the RIC awards include the planting of native pollinator gardens throughout the City of Oskaloosa and the production of approximately 11,000 native plants grown in a newly constructed greenhouse specifically for these efforts. These plants were used in community-wide plantings, native landscaping at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), and the development of a new nature playscape.
Additional projects include the construction of Oxbow wetlands at Caldwell Park and a sediment forebay at the Environmental Learning Center, serving as demonstration projects for habitat creation, storm water management, and water quality improvement. These installations highlight practical solutions for managing runoff while enhancing wildlife habitat.
Beyond city limits, Mahaska County Conservation has planted approximately 125 acres of high-diversity prairie within its natural resource areas and completed a major prairie restoration project at the Eddyville Sand Dune Prairie, further strengthening regional biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
“These awards are a great example of what can be accomplished when community partners come together with a shared vision,” said Chris Clingan, Director of Mahaska County Conservation. “There is much more to come in the future, and what we have been able to achieve in a short period of time can be used as an example of the strength of partnership in action.”
The success of these projects was made possible through collaboration with private community members, Friends of Mahaska County Conservation, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mahaska County Conservation Board
2342 – Hwy 92, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
Ph.: 641-673-9327
www.mahaskaconservation.com mccb@mahaskacountyia.gov
Projects like these help make Mahaska County and the City of Oskaloosa more attractive to visitors and individuals considering relocation for employment opportunities. They also enhance the quality of life for residents while generating positive economic impacts locally.
Together, the Mahaska Partnership continues to demonstrate what it truly means to be a Resilient Iowa Community.
