In 2024, the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) stewarded a 600 acre gift of property with significant environmental and ecological benefit. This donation is a unique and effective partnership and the origin of the Pleasant Grove Land Preservation Inc (the donor) is a lesson in the power of strategic co-funding – a partnership among individuals who collectively work in pursuit of a common goal.
The idea for Pleasant Grove Land Preservation began when two Grinnellians, Doug Caulkins and Sandy Moffett, went to see a piece of land for sale in rural Mahaska County. Caulkins and Moffett convinced 8 other couples to invest in this amazing property with rolling hills, an abundance of wildlife – including endangered species, and native prairie or areas of grassland that had never been plowed. In Iowa there are less than 30,000 acres of native prairie and Caulkins and Moffett’s goal was to protect this important relic. The Pleasant Grove Land Preservation was born and the owners worked for almost three decades to protect the wildlife and unique ecological aspects and restore the once-thriving prairie.
In 2023, the Pleasant Grove Land Preservation contacted GPCF about gifting the property to the foundation. Two of the owners would continue land stewardship and at some point the property would be transferred to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation so that conservation efforts will continue in perpetuity. The group’s efforts are extremely important to Mahaska County and surrounding counties because the conservation activities on Pleasant Grove are helping to protect water quality and manage storm water runoff. As grasslands are restored on Pleasant Grove, they help recharge nearby aquifers.
The GPCF board and staff felt that accepting this gift would celebrate Pleasant Grove’s origins in strategic co-funding and ecological restoration and this gift supported the Foundation’s mission to build partnerships to enhance vibrant and sustainable communities. To learn more about donating a gift of property or making a planned gift contact GPCF Staff at 641-236-5518. Photo Above: GPCF board and staff visiting Pleasant Grove.
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