Conservation department to host open house at Chautauqua Park

Des Moines County Conservation will host a public open house at Chautauqua Park east of Mediapolis on July 24 at 6:00 PM. The event will highlight the efforts that the department is making to address the decline of pollinator species and take questions from the public.

It is said that one out of every three bites of food is made possible by the work of insect pollinators. Yet recent studies reveal a concerning decline in pollinator populations worldwide. Bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators are dwindling due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline poses a significant threat to agriculture and biodiversity, potentially impacting global food production and ecosystem stability. Scientists urge immediate action to protect these vital species and ensure sustainable ecosystems.

In 2022, Des Moines County Conservation embarked on a project at Chautauqua Park that would convert the underutilized roadside park into a pollinator haven. Partnering with the local Aldo Leopold chapter of Pheasants Forever to purchase the Iowa-native seed, the department began what would be a years-long transformation of the park's ground cover from the traditional monoculture of turf grass to a pollinator haven. 

Now, two years into the conversion, the park buzzes with life and color. Wildflowers such as black-eyed Susans, various coneflowers, and many others add color while bees and other insects flit around from plant to plant. What's more, the department saves over $2,200 annually just in mowing costs alone. 

The open house on July 24 will feature a short program about pollinators, the department's decision to convert the park to a pollinator garden and details about the conversion process, followed by time for exploration and questions. Chautauqua Park is located at 10530 Mediapolis Rd., Mediapolis, IA 52637.