DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, THE FRONT STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE ARE CLOSED. PLEASE USE THE BACK DOOR OR THE SOUTH ENTRANCE TO ACCESS THE BUILDING.

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 its 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. 

Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area

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)

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. 

Rules

  1. No target shooting
  2. No ATVs, snowmobiles or horses
  3. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
  4. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
  5. No camping
  6. No fires
  7. No littering
  8. All statewide hunting and public wildlife area regulations apply

Location

From Highway 61, turn west onto 170th St. Go one mile. The parking lot is on the south side of the road.

13485 170th St.
Sperry, IA 52650

Map · Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area