Written By
We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are delivering on-the-ground conservation that directly supports pollinators and agricultural resilience across northeast Iowa. Along with Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Iowa Soybean Association, several Iowa County Conservation Boards and private landowners, our team within the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program are growing results.
By combining the strengths of private landowners, commodity groups and public conservation agencies, this partnership has restored more than 1,100 acres of pollinator habitat and enhanced an additional 1,000 acres of pollinator habitat. Notably, this strategic collaboration generated more than $1.3 million in matching and in-kind contributions, amplifying the initial National Fish and Wildlife Foundation鈥檚 investment nearly eightfold. This project exemplifies how strategic partnerships can unlock substantial resources for impactful conservation outcomes.
Restoring habitat and strengthening landscapes
Pollinator habitat, encompassing more than just milkweed and wildflowers, is vital for species like the monarch butterfly and can be essential to the productivity of agricultural systems. Many farmers and landowners in Iowa are eager to weave conservation actions into their operations, and this initiative provided both the technical and financial support to facilitate that integration.
Through support from the foundation, Practical Farmers of Iowa and partners collaborated closely with landowners to design, install and manage habitats that benefit both pollinators and farming. Iowa Soybean Association and Practical Farmers of Iowa offered critical outreach, while Partners for Fish and Wildlife provided landowners with navigation assistance and ecological expertise to optimize habitat quality. County Conservation Boards contributed localized knowledge and priorities, ensuring site-specific support on lands they own and manage.
The power of Partners for Fish and Wildlife
This success story exemplifies the value of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which effectively connects鈥痜ederal conservation goals with local initiatives. Program staff engaged farmers, non-profit organizations, county governments and commodity groups to achieve shared objectives. This collaborative flexibility is crucial for fostering scalable and sustainable conservation practices.
The voluntary, incentive-based approach that we use through Partners for Fish and Wildlife encourages landowner participation. Improved pollinator habitat not only supports wildlife, it also improves water quality and overall landscape resilience. For farmers, these restored areas can serve as buffers, that improve soil health while also providing recreational opportunities for future generations.
A model for future investment
The two-year grant which supported this effort illustrates how relatively modest investments can catalyze substantial conservation when paired with the right partners. The nearly 2,100 acres of improved habitat represent critical enhancement for pollinators, including the iconic monarch butterfly, and highlight the effectiveness of voluntary, collaborative conservation.
As the nation continues to address conservation challenges, partnerships will be essential. By engaging farmers, local governments and other federal agencies, our agency demonstrates that conservation and agriculture can thrive together. This initiative is a model for future conservation programs and proves that results-oriented collaboration can yield tangible benefits for wildlife, farmers and taxpayers alike.
Learn more about how you can work with us through Partners for Fish and Wildlife.
Written By
