A neglected stretch of land in Madison County, Iowa, has become a conservation success story after a couple discovered rare native ecosystems beneath thick invasive vegetation and began restoring the landscape. John and Sheri Paule initially purchased 40 acres of overgrown land, but the discovery of surviving native habitats inspired them to expand their conservation efforts across a property spanning more than 300 acres.
When the couple first examined the land, its hillsides were covered with invasive plants, including multiflora rose and prickly ash. However, surviving bur oak trees suggested that the area might once have supported an oak savanna, a habitat characterised by scattered oak trees and grassland vegetation.
The ecological value of the property became clearer when Tom Rosburg, a biology professor at Drake University surveyed the site. He identified remnants of a sedge meadow a wet meadow and a transition zone connecting different habitats. These ecosystems have become increasingly rare in Iowa, making their protection particularly important.
The discovery encouraged the couple to focus on restoring the land’s natural character rather than simply clearing the overgrowth. Working with conservation specialists they began removing invasive vegetation, protecting native plants and improving conditions for wildlife.
Wetland restoration with conservation support
The restoration received technical assistance from the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its conservation partners.
An existing wetland easement had been enrolled in the Emergency Wetland Reserve Program in 1998. In 2023 the Iowa NRCS Easement Team worked with civil engineer Nick Campbell to develop a plan for restoring approximately 70 acres of wetlands through a meandering design.
The project included native plant seeding and brush management to improve habitat conditions and support wildlife. Stewardship funding through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s Wetland Reserve Easements initiative covered the eligible construction, seeding and management costs associated with the restoration.
The agency also provided technical guidance and helped establish a conservation plan for the property’s long term management.
Restored habitats attract diverse birdlife
The restoration is already providing habitat for several bird species. Sandhill cranes have been using the wetlands while red headed woodpeckers regularly appear in the oak savanna.
John Paule also reported seeing hundreds of blue winged teal remain on the property for two or three weeks, an occurrence the couple had not witnessed before.
Although these observations demonstrate that birds are using the restored habitats, a formal wildlife survey would be needed to measure changes in bird populations over time.
The wetlands are also helping retain water in areas where it previously moved quickly through the landscape. Native vegetation is returning, and the property has attracted researchers, university students and conservation professionals interested in studying its ecosystems and restoration methods.
Why wetland restoration matters in Iowa
The couple’s work addresses a wider environmental challenge. Iowa has lost much of its original wetland habitat because of drainage and land development. Estimates indicate that wetlands once covered approximately 4 million to 6 million acres of the state with nearly 95% subsequently drained.
Wetlands provide important ecological benefits. They can store floodwater, improve water quality and create habitats for birds, amphibians and other wildlife. Wet meadows and sedge meadows also support specialised plant communities that may disappear when natural water patterns are disrupted or invasive species dominate.
By restoring wetlands and protecting the remaining native vegetation the Paules are helping conserve habitats that have become increasingly uncommon across Iowa.
Their experience highlights how private landowners, conservation agencies and ecological specialists can work together to recover damaged landscapes. It also shows that land that appears neglected may still contain valuable remnants of native ecosystems, offering opportunities for restoration and long term biodiversity conservation.