A newly acquired 356-acre addition to the Rathbun Wildlife Area is giving hunters, hikers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts more opportunities to explore a remote corner of southern Iowa.
Located in southeastern Lucas County, the property completes a connection of public land stretching approximately 17 miles from Chariton to Lake Rathbun. Visitors can access the area through parking at the neighboring Slab Castle Wildlife Area, managed by the Lucas County Conservation Board.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Lucas County Conservation Board to restore and manage habitat throughout the area.
Over the past 18 months, crews have removed invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle, cleared unwanted cedar trees and used prescribed fire across roughly 320 acres. According to DNR wildlife biologist Heath Van Waus, some portions of the property had not experienced fire in at least 20 years, while other areas may never have been burned.
The restoration work is already showing results. Native prairie plants are returning, including round-headed bush clover, gray-headed coneflower and showy tick trefoil. The improved grasslands are also providing valuable habitat for bees, grassland birds, wild turkeys, quail and pheasants.
A seven-acre area believed to contain remnant prairie is also beginning to recover after invasive vegetation was removed and prescribed burns were conducted. The more open habitat allows young turkeys and quail to move more easily while providing insects that serve as an important food source.
Additional improvements could be coming near the Chariton River, which flows through the southern portion of the property. Wildlife managers are exploring plans to restore a roughly 26-acre wetland using existing berms and a new water-control structure.
The project would allow managers to raise and lower water levels to create better habitat for wetland wildlife.
With prairie restoration underway and future wetland improvements being considered, the new addition to the Rathbun Wildlife Area is expected to provide expanded wildlife habitat while preserving a remote outdoor destination for hunters, hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR)
