4 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



of the state, as well as preserve in its original form a portion, at 

 least, of what is left that indicates the original natural condition 

 of our prairies, forests and waters with their wealth of varied 

 plant life as well as wild animal and bird life native to them, 

 before our sometimes over-selfish civilization exterminates and 

 drives them from their homes. 



There are many reasons why no further delay should be made 

 in securing a number of the many desirable sites for state 

 memorial parks. Each day, the hand of so-called civilization is 

 making further inroads into our remaining forests. The beauty 

 of our glens and caves is being destroyed by cutting away the 

 shade trees, diverting the streams from our springs, in fact, com- 

 mercial vandalism and private ownership are making an indelible 

 mark on many of the beauty spots which should he sacred to the 

 lover of nature, to our children and future generations that they 

 may see a little of Iowa, at least, in its primitive state. 



We say primitive state because we believe that if some pro- 

 posed sites are acquired, and control of them assumed by the 

 State, that nature will reassert herself and recreate or reproduce 

 some of the stately forests that formerly fringed our river banks 

 and lake shores and dotted over our hills. Twenty-five years 

 growth added to the present growth of the certain remaining 

 forests of Iowa, with the watchful care of the State, will reforest 

 such tracts as are selected into practically the same condition 

 that existed fifty years ago. With return of the forests and their 

 conversion into, and dedication as, sanctuaries for bird, animal 

 and plant life there will return much of the early wild life that 

 has gradually disappeared from the wooded hills and vales of 

 Iowa. 



Another particular reason why we believe that immediate ac- 

 tion should be taken is the ever-increasing value of lands in Iowa. 

 Each year's delay will make the acquisition more expensive to 

 the State. It has been suggested that we secure, at this time, as 

 memorial parks for the State of Iowa, some of those beauty spots, 

 and dedicate them to the memory of our boys who have fallen 

 in France and in the other fields, in defense of Democracy and 

 Right. Some suggest that other areas should be dedicated 

 to the leaders and heroes of high standards in Iowa attainment 

 in the arts, sciences and sportsmanship. Our allies in France 

 have already dedicated to the memory of the American Marines, 

 a part of the battle field of Belleu Wood as a mark of their love 



