The organization has protected more than 190,000 acres (770 km2) in 97 of Iowa’s 99 counties and worked on hundreds of different project sites since its inception in 1979.
Landowners interested in protecting their land either donate or sell property to INHF, who will work to conserve and/or restore its natural features.
In most cases, INHF takes ownership of land temporarily, while public conservation agencies (local, county, state or federal) raise funds to purchase the property.
During this time, INHF will lend technical and professional assistance to these agencies, as well as work to restore native ecosystems.
[3] INHF staff will meet with landowners to negotiate the sale or donation of their land, as well as the transfer to whatever agency will retain permanent ownership.